Camelback Ranch plays home to the Glendale Desert Dogs, one of six Arizona Fall League teams.

Chicago White Sox catching prospect Adam Hackenberg is one of three catchers listed on the Desert Dogs roster, and one of seven White Sox.

“Declan (Cronin), Lane (Ramsey), Sammy (Peralta) are awesome. They all played at a higher level than me this year… they know how to attack guys. I think they like me back there too, so we’ve worked well while we’ve been out here,” Hackenberg said.

Spending the majority of last season in High A Winston Salem, Hackenberg was the main backstop for the Dash, playing in 78 games.

“Thought I had a really good first year,” Hackenberg told NEVN. “Obviously there is tons of things that I kinda need to work on going into next year, but I was just glad I got through it healthy.”

Like many players on rosters jam packed with talent, Hackenberg expressed gratitude at being surrounded by top players.

“I’m looking forward to just being around the top tier prospects in the game. You can tell the environment is a little different, everyone is a lot more focused,” Hackenberg said. “It’s still baseball at the end of the day, but I enjoy being around the guys.”

Playing with top prospects isn’t the only unique experience in the Fall League, so is playing at Major League Spring Training ballparks.

“This one is pretty sweet here in Mesa (Sloan Park), Scottsdale was cool, older stadium. Cool, probably not my favorite to play in, but definitely a cool park.”

Adam’s brother Christian played quarterback for Penn State University, and was drafted in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft by the New York Jets.

Adam often calls upon his brother for support.

“Having him to talk to, I still call him about every week, or whenever I need something, or wanna just talk,” Adam said.  “He was really excited I got to come play pro ball. Obviously, having him though — having been through it, was a nice thing just to get his insight on how to handle it.”

Hackenberg spent time with the White Sox during Spring Training, but never donned the regular black and white pinstripes. When asked how he felt to be wearing the jersey, he replied, “I love it. It looks good on me, I think. Hopefully I stay in it.”