Called up on Monday, it didn't take long for Mike Hinckley to make his first appearance for the Washington Nationals. Tuesday, September 2, 2008, the dream came full circle, and in a most impressive way. I quote from Federal Baseball:
"Top Of the 7th Inning, 2 on, 1 out, 3-0 Philadelphia...
"First and third, Speigner’s done, and Mike Hinckley’s set to make his Major League debut. Hinckley vs Utley. Lefty vs Lefty. Hinckley gets a double play ball, but it’s awkward, as Rollins avoids the tag on a grounder to second, to let a run in, but gets tracked down and tagged after Anderson Hernandez first throws to first. 4-0 Phils... (both runs on Speigner)...
"Top Of The 8th...4-0 Philadelphia...
"Mike Hinckley faces Jayson Werth in the top of the eighth. 75 mph curve on the outside corner for a backwards K, his first in the Majors. Howard grounds into the shift. 92 mph curve, outside corner, Burrell K’s staring. Hinckley’s first scoreless frame."
Wow - talk about baptism by fire! Mike faced a fearsome array of hittiers - Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, and Pat Burrell - and came away unscathed! So, 1 2/3 innings pitched, 2 strikeouts, 0 hits - an awesome start to a big league career!
Looks like those early morning training sessions in the dark and cold of an Oklahoma winter are paying off. Time to go celebrate with a chocolate milk!
