Pitching coach of the Midland Rockhounds has local connection to Tulsa

The Tulsa Drillers play against the Midland Rockhounds all week.

34 people from the Rockhounds squad are leaving their home base, but one is coming home.

Midland’s pitching coach isn’t from here, but as cliché as it may sound, home is where the heart is.

“When the going gets tough, the tough guys come out on top,” said Paul Abbott, pitching coach for the Midland Rockhounds.

It’s not easy being in the minor leagues.

“Sometimes we have to take a step back to move them forward,” Abbott said.

It’s a journey into the highest league of Major League Baseball and the game brings additional challenges.

“You make enormous sacrifices away from your family,” Abbott said.

Paul Abbott has made sacrifices over the past 35 years as a player and coach.

This is his first year as a Midland Texas Rockhound and his first away series at Oneok Field.

“It really feels like I’m coming home because you are part of my home,” Abbott said

Paul is also the father of Chloe Abbott from News on 6.

“It’s always great to see how you’re doing and how clean your apartment is. And I’m always pleasantly surprised at how clean it actually is. You’ve come a long way,” Abbott said.

It’s been two decades since Chloe’s father worked in the same city she lives in. She used to visit him, but now he visits her, and the visits are becoming routine.

“He’s only here for a week, but it’s time to get up. Let’s get our coffee, then we’ll have lunch, then, you know, we’ll hug and kiss and say goodbye. He’s going to the field and I’m going to work,” Chloe said.

Since beginning her career as a journalist, she has moved away from my family in Southern California, a sacrifice many journalists make, much like baseball players.

“Watching you climb and being able to have a little empathy for what it’s like to be alone, but you also have to accept it and see it as an adventure,” Abbott said.

“You were there at the height of my career and I was able to share that with you, so this is a huge deal,” Abbott said.

The Drillers play against the Rockhound until Sunday.