The professional baseball dream began, but not with a lot of turbulence for Brent Honeywell.
After being drafted in the 2nd round by the Tampa Bay Rays in 2014 out of Walters State Community College (Tennessee), the righty pitcher was assigned to Rookie League Princeton. There, he found his way quickly.
"It wasn't much of a challenge. I thought it would be more challenging than that. But I can't make them move me any faster. I was comfortable in that league."
Very comfortable according to the numbers. He finished 2014 with a 1.07 ERA and 40 strikeouts in 33 innings of work. He allowed just 6 walks.
In the early part of his first Spring Training Honeywell, 19, is in the raw stages of getting into the zone. But he already sees changes.
"Yesterday was my first live BP. I'm getting back to the feel of it. I'm focused on that. I've come back a little crisper with my pitches. Especially working the breaking ball and curve ball."
As the son of former professional player Brent who spent a few years in the 80's in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization, he learned important lessons firsthand. But he also learned from the wisdom of Walters State pitching coach Joey Seaver, now a coach in the Red Sox organization.
"My confidence grew a lot in college. I had one of the best pitching coach's in college other than my dad. My dad told me, 'I'm not grooming you to be a good minor league pitcher, but the best major league pitcher'."
The decision to attend Walters State was one Honeywell weighed with careful consideration. The Georgia native wasn't mowing them down with a power arm, but he knew his strengths and was ready to improve any weaknesses. The teachable kind of player scouts want to find.
"I had to prove myself in college. I had the option of a four-year school or junior college. I thought if I go to a junior college, I really have to stand out. My screwball drew a lot of people in. I had a lot of strikeouts in college. But I had to do a lot of stuff to get seen, especially in the fall", he said.
What he lacked, he saw a prime opportunity to develop. Perhaps he was overlooked in high school due to a lack of velocity, but he accepted the challenge as his college career began. It took combining the important teachings of his father and trusting his entire repertoire.
"I came into college with good off-speed stuff. I didn't have a power arm in high school. I didn't have a fastball like I do now. My dad forced me to use my off-speed stuff behind and ahead in the count."
2014 was an experience in improving the all-important fastball. According to several reports, his fastball sits 91-93 mph.
"[I most improved]locating the fastball. They made me throw it a lot this year," he said. "Being a starter, you gotta have it. I've got a changeup in any count. But locating the fastball, that's the best pitch in baseball."
This past winter, he had a variety of areas that he devoted his time to. Expanding his offerings is high on the list of what he wants to show this season.
"I've focused this off-seaon on getting stronger, getting bigger, and having quicker feet for pick-offs. I'm working on developing my curveball also. I have two out pitches- the changeup and fastball. The fastball guys chase. But a third pitch would make one heck of a difference. Being able to throw the breaking ball for strikes. It's a lot better now."
As he prepares for the next big leap in his pro career, he's motivated by everything his father contributed to his development as a person and player.
"He taught me how to use the fastball. He still prepares me in every way. He's taught me that, even in the off-season, baseball is an everyday thing."