Hi baseball fans! My name is Adrian Cardenas and I was traded this past year from the Philadelphia phillies to the Oakland A’s. I was born on October 10, 1987 and actually turned 21 here in Arizona. I was born and raised in Miami, Florida and I’m Hispanic (both my parents were born in Cuba). I guess a little about me that most may not know is that I started playing the piano when I was 3 years old and played it until I graduated high school (Monsignor Edward Pace) and  got drafted in 2006. It’s pretty funny but my parents didn’t know much about baseball and I really started playing at 5 years old just to keep family ties when my family along with my uncle’s family moved away from the same neighborhood. However, they instilled in me hardwork and dedication, which I am a strong believer that it has carried me here thus far. Since I can’t carry a piano around everywhere I travel, I usually bring my guitar. I’m not very good, but it definitely is one of my favorite hobbies and something I enjoy doing pretty much everyday. Attending the AFL this year was one my goals just because I was eager to be thrown at a young age with the best competition and not only pick people’s brains, but also be exposed and play among some of the best talent in the minor leagues. Although I am here to “show what I got”, I am also here to develop. I am constantely trying to work on things and get better before, during, and after games. I feel content with my playing in the AFL, but realize that there is still a lot work to be done. Hope you enjoyed the blog!

-Adrian