Two appearances into spring training games, Detroit Tigers left-hander Derek Holland — a non-roster invitee on a minor-league contract — was positive he would make the Opening Day roster. He felt confident and took a chance on his instincts.
Next, two important purchases were made.
Holland, 34, already utilized his old WWE tag-team championship belts for golf tournaments throughout camp in Lakeland, Florida. But Holland needed two brand new belts — one UFC belt and one WWE belt — for the regular season. He had to pre-order them, well before learning he made the 26-man squad in late March.