Mark Wesley Pritchard
Bio
You can call me Wesley. Former cosplayer, retro gaming fanatic, die-hard Texas Rangers fan, and nostalgic freak. Need I say more?
Threads: @misterwesleysworld
Instagram: @misterwesleysworld
Stories (401)
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Say His Name: George Floyd
During the Covid-19 pandemic, everyone was in quarantine, daily life was interrupted, and everyone was staying safe from the deadly virus. However, one event that received national attention was the death of George Floyd. On May 25, 2020, the then 46-year-old was suspected of using fake money and was stopped by police and then, they held him to the ground. What happened next was shocking. Now former Minneapolis police officer and convicted murderer, Derek Chauvin, was seen on video pressing his knee on Floyd's neck for more than nine minutes. Despite Floyd’s constant pleas that he couldn't breathe to Chauvin and from bystanders to let him breathe, Chauvin ignored their pleas and the other officers at the scene refused to intervene. Floyd’s death sparked worldwide outrage and protests from around the world. One of the things that continues to irk me is when anytime a black person has been killed by the police, most people would say the following: “If he/she would’ve followed the officer’s orders, then they wouldn’t have been shot.” This is such a tone deaf way of saying that a black person who lost their life deserved it. To me, it's a form of victim blaming. Even if they obeyed a police officer's orders, no one deserves to have their lives taken in a tragic manner. Also, opponents of racial injustice protests would also describe black people as thugs, drug dealers, and everything under the sun. As a person of color, I ask everyone to not paint all black people with one brush. You're missing the entire point of why we still hold Black Lives Matter protests. The point of these protests is to call for accountability of any police officer who takes the life of black individuals. In other words, arresting police officers as opposed to putting them on administrative leave (paid or unpaid) or on bond. Also, seeing them being convicted and sentenced to time in prison, making sure that the families of the slain receive justice.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard about a year ago in The Swamp
My Thoughts About the 'Brave New World' Trailer
A new year brings new movies. This year, a total of 50 films are scheduled to be released in theaters. Among the slate of movies is Captain America: Brave New World. A fitting Valentine's Day release is a perfect time for you and your significant other to see this superhero film. Or if you're single like myself, this is also the movie that you should go and see. The 35th film of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, or MCU, stars Anthony Mackie, Giancarlo Esposito, and legendary actor Harrison Ford. However, I dislike Valentine's Day for a number of reasons. First, I feel like it makes single people like me feel miserable. Second, it's too commercialized and forced onto those who don't have a romantic partner to spend this day with. Third, it puts too much emphasis on highlighting couples expressing their love for one another in commercials and other forms of media. It's not to say those are bad things to promote. I've been single for a little over five years. In 2019, I was engaged to be married in March 2020. However, complications made it impossible for me and the man I was with at the time to make our wedding happen. I won't go into details, but we mutually decided to part ways, even though we loved each other very much. I'm nearing 40 and haven't given up on finding love again.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard about a year ago in Geeks
A Message to Clayton Kershaw
Many of my readers know that I love baseball, especially the Texas Rangers. In case you didn't know that, you do now. Spring Training is right around the corner and the MLB regular season is in our sights. However, in this story, I want to send a strong message to a player who needs a lesson in both humanity and compassion. The player I'm talking about is Clayton Kershaw. To all of you non-baseball fans who aren't familiar with who he is, he's a World Series champion and Cy Young Award winner. Back in 2023, he made disparaging and bigoted remarks regarding the Dodgers were having a promotion inviting The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence to Dodger Stadium during Pride Month. Because of this, I can no longer look at Clayton Kershaw the same way again. It's time that I read this man for the filth, because I have a lot of things to say to him. I could call him every name in the book, but it would make the points that I'm about to share absolutely meaningless. I'm not going to apologize for standing up for what I believe in or being honest. If I see someone being disrespectful towards a certain group of people, I'm not afraid to call them out on it. If I'm wrong for speaking up, then so be it. I'm not afraid to expose people for who they are.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard about a year ago in Pride
Life As an Autistic Man
I've been a creator on Vocal since 2018 and I love writing about the things that I'm passionate about. This platform is an outlet for me to write stories that might be relatable to most people. In this story, I'll be sharing my own personal experiences as someone who's on the Autism spectrum. If it's your first time on Vocal and don't know anything about me, by the time you've finished reading this story, you'll have a better idea of the kind of person I am.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard about a year ago in Longevity
Wesley's National League Wild Card Picks
Greetings, baseball nerds! I'll be sharing my National League Wild Card predictions for the 2025 MLB season. If you would like to see my 2025 American League Wild Card predictions, the link will be found at the end of this story. Without further ado, let's go!
By Mark Wesley Pritchard about a year ago in Unbalanced
My Thoughts About Sammy Sosa's "Apology"
Before 2024 came to a close, a former Chicago Cubs player had something important that he wanted to share with everyone. That someone happened to be Sammy Sosa. So what was the statement he wanted to divulge, you ask? Recently, he finally admitted to using performance enhancement drugs (PEDs). The now 56 year old has apologized for doing the unthinkable. Sosa said the following:
By Mark Wesley Pritchard about a year ago in Unbalanced
Wesley's 2025 American League Wild Card Picks
Spring Training will be here before you know it and the 2025 MLB regular season is less than two months away. We all miss baseball, but it's never too early to think about your favorite team possibly making it to the Postseason and/or winning the World Series. In this story, I'll focus on potential Wild Card teams that might accomplish either one or both aforementioned objectives. If you want to see my picks of every 2025 Division Winner from both the American and National League, I'll have links to those stories at the end of this story.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard about a year ago in Unbalanced
Lessons to Live By in 2025
Happy New Year, Vocal readers! 2025 is the year to wipe the slate clean and start off fresh. If you're unsure of how to make this year memorable for yourself, I have a few pieces of advice that might be beneficial. Remember that we're all works in progress, so don't think that you're alone in this.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard about a year ago in Humans
The Story Behind the Blue Rangers Ball Cap
Greetings, baseball nerds! If you've read my numerous stories about the Texas Rangers, you know that I've been a die-hard fan of theirs since I was a teenager. However, in case you didn't know that before, stick around because I have an interesting story to share with everyone about an accessory that stuck with me for years. More on that later.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard about a year ago in Unbalanced
Wesley's 2024 Year in Review
2024 has been full of ups and downs for yours truly. However, as this year comes to a close, all that we can hope for is that 2025 will treat us kindly. In my final story of 2024, I'll be highlighting several important stories I've written. Before I begin with that, I want to remind everyone that to please send me a one-off tip, big or small, at the end of this story. They'll support creators like me to bring you the stories and poems that we'd want to share. Let's end this year on a high note and finally, please follow me on social media. The information to my pages will be found in my profile. Without further ado, let's get started.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard about a year ago in Writers
My Thoughts About the Rangers Latest Acquisitions
The 2024 Winter Meetings in Dallas, TX have been busy. If you aren't familiar with Winter Meetings, it's an opportunity for all 30 Major League Baseball teams to bolster their rosters by trading and signing players. The biggest headline during this offseason was Juan Soto recently signing with the New York Mets. His record-breaking contract has since caused controversy, with some calling it insane and others questioning his ability to make a significant impact with the Mets. I still believe that a salary cap needs to be put in place, because no athlete is worth $765 million or even $700 million, the amount currently being paid to Shohei Ohtani over the next 10 years. Seeking to be paid more isn't immoral but feeling that you're entitled of being paid nearly a billion dollars is selfish. I don't care what good intentions both the Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers organizations have.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard about a year ago in Unbalanced
More Thoughts About the Juan Soto Deal
It's been almost three days since the news of Juan Soto being traded to the New York Mets was announced. Now, the online baseball community has reacted to the latest blockbuster deal. Let's just say that the news wasn't well received, and I'll explain the reasons why in a bit. In case you're not up to speed with this, let's recap.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard about a year ago in Unbalanced
