Benjamin Hill embarks on a remarkable journey across the nation, collecting stories that highlight the uniqueness of Minor League Baseball. In this excerpt from his newsletter, reported from Madison, Ala. on June 19, we meet Victor Mederos, a 23-year-old right-hander with an unexpected side job.

Discover the Dual Life of a Minor League Baseball Player

Minor League Baseball: A Unique World

Benjamin Hill traverses the country, seeking out tales that set Minor League Baseball apart. It's a realm where players like Victor Mederos make their mark. Mederos, currently on the Los Angeles Angels' 40-man roster, has spent time with both the big league club and the Double-A Rocket City Trash Pandas. His story is just one of the many that showcase the diversity and charm of this baseball landscape.In the Minor League, players face unique challenges and opportunities. They work hard to improve their skills and strive for that big break. Mederos' journey is a testament to the perseverance and determination required in this world.

The Clubhouse Barber: An Unofficial Job

Victor Mederos, a Cuban native, has taken on an additional role in the clubhouse – that of a barber. This unexpected job has not only provided him with a new skill but also an opportunity to connect with his teammates on a different level.With a used barber chair purchased by the clubhouse manager, Mederos is able to cut the hair of dozens of his teammates and staff members. It's a service that goes beyond the baseball field and helps create a sense of community within the team.Mederos shared that he learned to cut hair as a kid and it "really started in college." For him, cutting hair is a peaceful activity that allows him to have conversations with his teammates about anything other than baseball. It's a chance to be a normal person and build relationships.

The Journey from Cuba to the US

Mederos' life story is a long and arduous one. His father left Cuba when he was just two months old, and he and his older brother stayed with their mother in Cuba. Five years later, they joined their father in Miami.The journey from Cuba to the US was filled with challenges. They traveled from Costa Rica to Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, and Mexico before finally reaching the US-Mexico border. Mederos began a new life in Miami and was introduced to baseball through a family friend.Baseball became his passion, and he quickly showed promise. After some struggles on the offensive side, he started working with a pitching coach and committed to the University of Miami. However, things didn't work out as planned, and he eventually transferred to Oklahoma State.

Professional Baseball and Beyond

The Angels selected Mederos in the sixth round of the 2022 Draft, and he began his professional career with the High-A Tri-City Dust Devils. Less than a year later, he made his Major League debut.Now, in the past two seasons, Mederos has appeared in seven big league games and started 40 games for the Trash Pandas. Wherever he goes in 2025, his scissors and clippers are likely to be by his side.He may not see cutting hair as a 9-5 job, but it's a passion that he'll continue to pursue. Mederos has learned to cut every style and can have conversations with his teammates about anything.His story is a reminder that in the world of baseball, there are many paths and opportunities. Mederos has shown that with talent, determination, and a little bit of luck, one can achieve great things.