About the book
To reach the majors, a ballplayer must not only possess natural ability and world-class skills but must also overcome nearly insurmountable odds. The journey is not possible without extreme dedication. Along the way mentors play a large role, and circumstances must align. For an elite few, years of effort and perseverance culminate with putting on a big league uniform.
Drawing on original interviews with more than 100 players who debuted between 1961 and 2018, this collection presents their first-person stories of how they were called up to play Major League Baseball.
These player narratives capture the feelings and emotions of becoming a big league baseball player.
* Cover image links to multiple ordering options.
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Story Excerpts
“He says to me, ‘Drink that stinkin’ scotch. You’re gonna need that scotch.’ I said, ‘What are you talkin’ about?’ He says, ‘In about 30 minutes, you’re heading back to Birmingham, and then you’re gonna catch a flight to Oakland. You’re catching Catfish Hunter Thursday.’”
Gene Tenace (Oakland Athletics, 1969)
“I can’t remember where I ranked as the minor leaguer with the most minor league games played without a major league call-up, but it was up there... Finally, [Dusty Baker’s] like, ‘Hey, you’ve been waiting a long time for this. Go get ’em.’ I got a standing ovation my first at-bat.”
Jalal Leach (San Francisco Giants, 2001)
“The night before I pitch, I go on a walk. I have a ball with me. It’s probably nine o’clock at night, I’m doing my imagery, and I’m throwing the ball against this building. A patrol car went by and saw me. He’s like, ‘What the hell are you doing?’ I’m like, ‘Oh, I’m Bob Tewksbury. I’m pitching tomorrow for the Yankees.’ He looked at me and said something like, ‘Yeah, right. I’m the Easter Bunny.’ He probably thought I was out of my mind.”
Bob Tewksbury (New York Yankees, 1986)
“That first night we’re playin’ the Reds. Ken Griffey, Jr. was back in town for the first time. Lo and behold, the first hitter I ever faced was Ken Griffey, Jr. Everyone’s on their feet. They all wanna see him hit a home run. I come in, and they’re all on their feet, but not for me. I felt like I hadn’t thrown a baseball in two months. My hand was numb and all I was thinkin’ was, ‘Just throw strikes. Don’t walk him.’”
Ryan Rowland-Smith (Seattle Mariners, 2007)
“By the third call-up, I was like, ‘Okay. Enough of this jitters stuff. I’m ready to play in a game.’ The moment was crazy. I saw it evolving. They said, ‘Get ready.’ I start throwing bullets as fast as I can. I didn’t even realize who was on deck, but it was David Ortiz. I just figured left on left is when I’m coming in. I got deep in the count against Ortiz and gave up a homer. In the moment, I was obviously mad. I thought, ‘This is the worst thing that could happen.’ Now, telling buddies and new friends, it’s quite the story to tell.”
Mike Belfiore (Baltimore Orioles, 2013)