In early March, Jimmy Govern was exactly where he wanted to be, doing exactly what he wanted to be doing.
The Libertyville graduate was living the life of a professional baseball player.
For several days during spring training, Govern wore the blue and white of the Kansas City Royals, the team that drafted him in the 30th round in 2019.
“I was pumped, ready to go,” Govern said.
But on March 13, Govern and other players in the Royals organization were told not to return to the team’s facility in Surprise, Arizona. The coronavirus pandemic forced Major League Baseball to suspend spring training and the opening of the regular season.
Govern knew he’d have to leave Arizona.
“I spent a few days with friends in Scottsdale,” he said. “I was in no rush to leave and drive 25 hours (home). But I understood what (MLB) did and that it had to happen.”
Once he moved into the Libertyville home of his father, Tim, Govern was forced to deal with the challenges many minor league players were facing: how to stay in shape and when their next paycheck would come.
Drafted in June 2019 out of Eastern Illinois, the 5-foot-11, 190-pound Govern signed for $5,000. He said the bonus was more than most for college seniors who want a professional career but have no negotiating leverage.
In 55 minor league games with three teams in 2019, Govern hit .344 with 8 HRs, 40 RBIs and and on-base percentage of .457. He played primarily at third base.
“(Govern) can flat-out hit,” said Ed Tolzien, general manager and advanced hitting coach at Slammers Training Academy, a private facility in Lake Forest. “Coupled with his versatility, strength and grit, he has a chance to surprise some people.”
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When he reported to spring training, Govern said he didn’t care where the Royals sent him this season.
“I wasn’t thinking about my assignment,” he said. “I was just excited to be back playing.”
Within days, Govern went from having his days filled with routine and collaboration to that of isolation and self-reliance.
Private training facilities are closed. Social-distancing recommendations prevent group workouts. So Govern improvised, building a small gym in his basement with a bench-press and squat rack. He goes on bike rides around Independence Grove, a park in Libertyville.
“I’ve always been able to work out on my own,” he said. “There are guys who struggle with that, but I’m no stranger to it.”
Soon after he arrived in Libertyville, he received a lump-sum payment from the Royals that covered his salary through spring training. But there was no guarantee Govern would be paid for the suspended regular season.
That changed Tuesday, when Govern received an email from MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred. The email stated that Govern and other minor leaguers would be paid $400 a week though May 31.
“Which is awesome,” Govern said. “(MLB) is definitely doing everything they can to help minor leaguers.”
While there is no indication when baseball will resume, Govern is not leaving anything to chance. When he hears “play ball,” he will do so without hesitation.
“In baseball, you have to earn it every day,” he said. “I’ll be ready.”
Jon J. Kerr is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun.