Mark Wesley Pritchard
Bio
Award-winning cosplayer, cosplay model, influencer, retro gaming fanatic, die-hard Texas Rangers fan, and nostalgic freak. Need I say more?
Threads: @thecosplayerfromtexas
Instagram: @thecosplayerfromtexas
TikTok: @thecosplayerfromtexas
Stories (208/0)
Addressing Homophobia in the Baseball Community
As Pride Month nears to a close, I wanted to discuss something that I found not only disturbing, but disappointing. 29 of the Major League Baseball teams had celebrated Pride Night at their ballparks every year, but there's one team that currently doesn't and that is the Texas Rangers. Yes, you heard that right. The defending World Series Champions have yet to promote something like this. In the over 50 years that the Rangers have been in Texas, it's sad that this has remained an issue. According to a recent article from NBC5 DFW, MLB Diversity Officer Billy Bean, who came out as gay after his playing career concluded, stated that a Pride Night would take place at Globe Life Field at some point, which is the current home of the Rangers and the site of next month's All-Star Game. As an owner of a MLB team, you can't say that you welcome everyone at baseball games and exclude a certain group of people. It doesn't work that way, it's hypocritical, and you don't practice what you preach. You can't also say that there's events for everyone at Globe Life Field and the organization supports all causes in one breath and exclude a group of people the next. Again, it doesn't work that way. If you want to have an inclusive baseball community, then you have to apply and extend that towards everyone and that includes LGBTQ+ people.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard6 days ago in Humans
Finding the Strength and Voice to Come Out. Content Warning.
Greetings, Vocal readers and Happy Pride Month! Almost a month ago, I wrote a couple of stories on here regarding Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker. He gave a commencement speech at a college, where he made disparaging remarks about women and Pride Month itself, which caused major backlash. I've since condemned his comments, which I've described them as misogynistic and bigoted. Even if he did apologize, it would not come off as sincere. When people show you their true colors, believe them.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard20 days ago in Families
A Historic Move from Major League Baseball
If you've been a subscriber to my page or supported me in general for the last several years, I've talked about numerous topics that needed to be discussed, from politics to social justice issues. On the other hand, unfortunately, there are those who believe that the country and society is too "woke", whatever their definition of that is. In other words, they're highly against diversity and inclusion for all people and other things: ideas that oppose their own personal views. Before I start the latest news I want to share with everyone, I want to offer the following disclaimer to the easily offended.
By Mark Wesley Pritchardabout a month ago in The Swamp
More Thoughts About Harrison Butker. Content Warning.
In my last story about Kansas City Chiefs Kicker Harrison Butker, I shared my thoughts about how his commencement speech at a college sparked outrage. I was appalled by his remarks, calling them bigoted and misogynistic. Now, I have more to say about this ongoing controversy surrounding Butker, as well as sharing words of compassion to two groups of people. If you would like to read my previous story about the three-time Super Bowl champion, you can click the link down below.
By Mark Wesley Pritchardabout a month ago in Humans
The Excitement of October Baseball
When you think of the month of October, what's the first thing that comes into mind? Halloween? Pumpkin spiced everything? Wrong! When I think of October, I think of baseball. While football is exciting to watch, the MLB Postseason is king. No offense to football, but it will never hold a candle to baseball. Eight teams battle it out to achieve one ultimate goal: to become World Series Champions. The World Series, also known as the Fall Classic, dates back to 1903. Currently, the team with the most championships is the New York Yankees with 27. According to BetMGM, the Los Angeles Dodgers are currently the heavy favorites to win it all. Baseball has gotten a bit of a bad reputation over the years, with people stating that games are too long and boring. Since then, games are a bit shorter. If you're not watching this American sport, especially during the month of October, then you're missing out on all the fun.
By Mark Wesley Pritchardabout a month ago in Unbalanced
My Thoughts About Harrison Butker's Commencement Speech
Graduation season is in full bloom. To those who have or about to graduate and start the next chapter in life, I hope you have a long and successful life and career. Your hard work has paid off in an enormous way. Go out there and pursue your dreams and never let anyone or anything stand in your way of excellence. Set your own expectations rather than living up to the ones your parents set for you. So here's to you, Class of 2024!
By Mark Wesley Pritchard2 months ago in The Swamp
Jackie Robinson: The Man, Legend, and Overcomer
April 15, 2024 will mark the 77th anniversary of Jackie Robinson's debut in Major League Baseball. Robinson, who was 28 years old at the time, broke the color barrier. The color barrier, or color line as it was called, barred African American players from playing in the Majors and Minors. This ban was in place for 60 years until 1947. So who was this second baseman and why his legacy still has an impact on Major League Baseball today?
By Mark Wesley Pritchard3 months ago in Unbalanced
An Inspiring Message to You
April is the start of Autism Awareness Month, while April 2 is World Autism Awareness Day. It's a day to highlight the need to improve the lives of those with autism. I was diagnosed with autism at the age of five. Many of my peers in school and everyone else said that I wouldn't have a successful life. Despite those naysayers, I refused to give up. I was bullied for being different from others, because autism was so misunderstood back in the 90s. I was in special education classes from Pre-K through my junior year of high school. I'll be forever grateful of my teachers and everyone for helping me become the person I am today. Special education teachers in general deserve all the credit for taking time out of their day to help people like me strive for excellence. Autism Awareness is one the causes I'm very passionate about, because it's something that's relatable to me. It's also a cause that very close to my heart. Plus, it's something I can speak about from personal experiences. I believe that people sharing their stories about being on the spectrum will be inspirational to others.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard3 months ago in Humans
The Greatest Opportunity of a Lifetime
I've reached an important milestone on Vocal: 200 stories. Since becoming a creator on this site back in 2018, I've written stories that people could relate to and enjoy reading. To mark this accomplishment, I have a story that I wanted to share with everyone. Last summer, I had an opportunity to do something I'd never done before.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard3 months ago in Humans
FanGraphs, We Need to Talk
As you can tell by this picture above, I'm seething with anger. Why is that, you ask? It's because the disrespect of the Texas Rangers never seems to end. The focus of this story is about FanGraphs. If you're not familiar with them, it was created and owned by David Appelman in 2009. Their main focus is providing stats for every player in Major League Baseball. Plus, they have blog posts, provide information about prospects, and more. I've been following their shenanigans ever since the Rangers won the World Series and nearly six months later, the defending champs are still not being shown the respect that they rightfully deserve. This is a team who has swept the Rays and Orioles in the Wild Card and ALDS respectively. Also, they fought hard to beat their rivals, the Houston Astros, in seven games in the ALCS. Finally, they defeated the Diamondbacks in five games to win it all. This was their first ever World Series title in team history, after being so close of winning it over 12 years ago. I've been a fan for over 20 years and it was the best night of my life.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard4 months ago in Unbalanced
The Brilliant Mind of a Vocal Creator
I became a content creator on Vocal in March 2018 and celebrated five years of being on this amazing platform. Since joining Vocal, I've had one story featured as a Top Story (August 2023) and a plethora of tips, which I appreciate very much. 2018 wasn't a great year for me personally, as I was homeless, jobless, and going through other personal issues. During those dark times, I was at my local library and all of a sudden, I ran into a site, which would later be Vocal. When I was in grade school, I loved writing my thoughts in notebooks. As I've stated in previous stories, my household and part of my childhood was hostile, abusive, and toxic. Decades later, writing gave me an opportunity to let my imagination fly, but at the same time, sharing my thoughts with everyone online. There is no age limit on being creative. During those aforementioned darker times, writing gave me an outlet to formulate on topics that matter to me and inform others on. Every year on October 20 is the National Day on Writing, celebrating writing in all forms. According to numerous online sources, there are positive benefits of jotting down your reflections on either pen and paper or digitally. These pick-me-ups such as helping you become more creative, improving as a writer, learning more about yourself, reducing stress, and building up your confidence.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard4 months ago in Writers
Finding A Purpose in My Life: Part 2. Content Warning.
Last September was National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month. I wrote a story on Vocal regarding my struggles with mental health. Being open to those battles to everyone could help others who are feeling hopeless and lost in life. You can read my entire story on that by clicking the link down below, but just to warn everyone, some of the details in it might not be suitable for some readers.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard4 months ago in Humans
