Cards' Hazelbaker makes MLB debut after 751 minors games
After seven years and 751 minor-league games, Jeremy Hazelbaker's dream of reaching the show finally came true.
The 28-year-old St. Louis Cardinals outfielder made his major-league debut Sunday against the Pittsburgh Pirates when he stepped to the plate as a pinch-hitter for Adam Wainwright in the seventh inning.
Unfortunately, the former fourth-round draft pick's first at-bat didn't produce a positive result, as he was called out on strikes against the Pirates' Tony Watson.
Hazelbaker, who is less than a year removed from being released as a Double-A player, surprisingly made the Cardinals out of spring camp after recording an impressive .304/.373/.543 slash line to go along with three home runs and 10 RBIs.
"It's an indescribable feeling," Hazelbaker told reporters after making the club Thursday. "It's been a long journey, quite a journey. It's finally paid off."
Prior to making his big-league debut, Hazelbaker owned a .264/.341/.434 slash line with 81 home runs and 359 RBIs during his minor-league career.