After finishing up an impressive collegiate career, that included time with Spoon River College, Kentucky Wesleyan and the DeLand Suns in the Florida Collegiate Summer League, Robert Chayka was looking to prove he could compete at the next level.
His senior stats certainly showed that he could be an asset. In 54 games with Kentucky Wesleyan, his stats were solid ( .336 BA, .398 OPB, .521 SLG) while scoring 53 runs and hitting 11 doubles, a triple, nine home runs and driving in 43.
Following his senior season, Chayka turned to the California Winter League to seek out an opportunity.
“I chose the CWL because it was the best opportunity for me to showcase my skills,” Chayka explained. “It had good housing, decent food, a nice stadium to play at in a beautiful location, and most importantly the opportunity is there!
“Team tryouts for indy ball just weren’t enough to catch a coach’s attention. I’m not a player where my physical appearance or some radar number is going to get their attention. I needed a place to go where coaches can actually watch me play games.”
The California Winter League offered all of that and more as a step into the world of independent baseball. The jump from college ball to the CWL offered varying levels of competition with a bit more of the cut-throat level of play seen in indy ball.
“You have a mixture of players there, anywhere from pro guys already, all levels of college and older adults trying to live their dream again. You can have a guy throwing 95mph one game and the next 80mph,” Chayka said of the competition.
“In college ball, it’s all about the team and making any sacrifices you can to win. While the CWL, for a lot of people, is their last shot to continue to play baseball, so you have to do what is best for you and not care about anyone else there. It might seem harsh, but that’s the mentality you should have when it might be your only and last opportunity to play.”
Thankfully for Chayka, it wasn’t his last opportunity. After going 10 for 25 with 5 RBI, the Washington Wild Things manager, Tom Vaeth who attends the CWL every year, saw something he liked and signed him to a contract for the Frontier League season.
“The month-long format of the CWL really gives me a chance to truly evaulate players and understand their strengths and how they could fit on my roster,” said Vaeth.
Vaeth’s pick up was a smart move as Chayka had a phenomenal rookie season that had him in the discussion for Rookie of the Year honors by the end of the season.
While playing in 81 games, he slashed .293/.396/.441 including 17 doubles, two triples, six home runs and 43 RBI while stealing 23 bases and drawing 35 walks. In the outfield, he had a .995 fielding percentage with only one error. (Washington Wild Things)
Chayka enjoyed his first season of professional baseball with the Wild Things.
“My first season in pro ball was great! I have a lot to learn still, but overall I enjoyed everything about it. Traveling, the constant games, great teammates, the atmosphere of our home games and food after the games.”
His coaches also enjoyed having him for his rookie campagin. Wild Things Bench Coach, Ryan Whithorn, had glowing praise when asked about Chayka.
“I’m really proud of the way his rookie season went. He came into camp with an opportunity to make the roster after showcasing his abilities in the California Winter League; nothing was guaranteed for him. He didn’t see much action early on but continued to work hard and prepare. Once his time came, he ran with it. Chayka can go get it in the outfield, he runs the bases well, and he swings the bat with intent. He plays with a chip on his shoulder and in Washington we advertise ‘Baseball with an Attitude.’ He’s more than proven he belongs here.”
The team agrees that he has certainly proven himself and deserves to be a mainstay on the roster. The Wild Things announced earlier this month that Chayka would be returning for his second season this summer.
“I’m excited about the re-sign, and glad to be going back to Washington.” When asked about his goals going forward, Chayka replied, “The team goal would obviously be to win it all, but individually I want to keep it simple and just do better than last year. I also think getting sponsored by Ghost would be awesome! I only drink their energy drinks every game.”
*Author note* I can 100% confirm that Chayka drinks nothing but Ghost pregame. Let’s get this man a sponsorship!
The Washington Wild Things and Robert Chayka are set to open the season at home Friday, May 10 against the Schaumburg Boomers.
The California Winter League is set to start on January 22nd. For more information on the CWL, check out their website HERE.
(All photos courtsey of Robert Chayka’s Instagram)
Indy Ball Island 