For Fort Myers High School alum Peyton Carr, making it to professional baseball has been a dream come true — and the fact that his first assignment is right in his hometown makes it even more special.
“By God's grace and mercy, I'm so blessed to be in this spot,” Carr said, reflecting on his journey to the Mighty Mussels.
Carr, who played college baseball at High Point University, admitted the reality of starting his pro career in Fort Myers didn’t hit him right away.
“It was just crazy. It didn’t quite hit me until a few minutes later. I’m like, 'Oh, wait, I’m gonna be here in Fort Myers,'” he said.
The transition to professional ball has been a challenge.
“It’s a lot of baseball. You just have to constantly make adjustments. I’ve been learning that. Just keep your head down and keep working,” Carr said.
Despite the grind, he’s grateful for the support of his family.
“Just be able to go home, sleep in my own bed. My family, they’re always there for me. So that’s a blessing,” he said.
Carr’s father, Tom, remembers the overwhelming emotions when Peyton was drafted.
“That was his entire goal growing up. Super emotional when he got drafted. Both of us had tears in my eyes," he said. "He grew up here. I used to bring him and his sister. His sister used to roll down the hill in right field. Super cool moment."
For Peyton, playing in Hammond Stadium brings a sense of full circle.
“I grew up coming here to the Miracle games," he said. "I was looking up to those guys, and I'm kind of in those guys' shoes back then. That part hasn’t really set in yet."
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