I am completely fascinated by minor league baseball. I love the miniature stadiums. I love the between-innings games. And most of all, I love the inevitable die-hard fans you find in every minor league stadium.

But it’s the players that truly keep me coming back every summer. You never know who is going to be the next big star, and they could be playing right in front of you — you just have to wait to find out.

Two out of those thousands of minor league players in America played their college ball right here on South Hill and were drafted by MLB clubs in 2008. Left-handed pitcher Bryan Gardner was selected in the 34th round by the Cincinnati Reds and another lefty pitcher, Shane Wolf, was selected by the Houston Astros in the 26th round. Both have been playing in Class A ever since.

Though both players are living out every young kid’s dream of playing professional baseball, a day in the life of a minor leaguer is not so easy. Gardner said this summer when he was playing for the Billings Mustangs in Montana, he had a 12-hour long bus ride.

Wolf, a member of the Lancaster JetHawks of the California League, has a different type of traveling schedule. His is a commuter league, which means that after every away game, the team will travel back to Lancaster even if it’s a four-game road series.

For Gardner, the most difficult transition has been the adjustment to the elevation in Montana. As an athlete in high elevation, breathing problems can develop and style of play can change.

But even though these big-league hopefuls are still a ways away from “The Show,” it doesn’t mean there are no brushups with former big league greats. Delino Deshields, a former major leaguer with five teams during his 13-year career and a career .268 hitter, is the Mustangs’ hitting coach.

Wolf’s big league brushup has been with his catcher’s father. Wolf’s battery mate for much of the season has been Koby Clemens, son of seven-time Cy Young Award winner and 1986 American League MVP Roger Clemens. Wolf said the team loves having The Rocket around.

“He would be on the field sometimes and play catch with Koby and other players,” Wolf said. “He bought some post-game meals too.”

But even when they’re miles apart, Wolf and Gardner still keep in touch and manage to talk to each other frequently during the season.

“I talk to Shane once a month to see how he’s doing and see how he likes it,” Gardner said. “I’m going to be able to work out with him, so it’s nice to have him around.”