From an outsider's perspective, Trey Nielsen was living the dream.
Of the millions of children across America and around the world who suit up for Little League baseball games, only a select few will one day see all the stars align as their aspirations of becoming a professional ballplayer come to fruition.
Nielsen ascended the metaphorical mountain into affiliated ball. A 42nd round draft pick hailing from Salt Lake City, he rejected a deal with the Cubs in 2010, opting to play for the University of Utah instead. Three years later, the Cardinals selected Nielsen in the 30th round of the 2013 draft.