Red Sox
Just five days after being called as much as the minor leagues after 11 years, Jamie Westbrook recorded his first MLB home run on Thursday.
The 28-year-old Holyoke native hit 1-for-2 within the Red Sox's 14-2 victory over the White Sox. Westbrook didn't start, but stepped in as a pinch hitter for the injured Tyler O'Neill and sent a 103-yard ball into the stands.
“Shoot, man, he can score,” said manager Alex Cora after the match via Julian McWilliams of the Boston Globe. It was such a very good week for him and for us because that's what gives you energy, you understand? And everyone was excited, whatever the result.”
Westbrook's home run, which came just one day after he brought 33,760 Fenway fans to their feet with his first major league hit, was an unforgettable moment.
“I just looked up on the sky prefer it was just crazy, man,” Westbrook said, according to McWilliams.
After more than 1,100 minor league games, Westbrook's first week with the Red Sox was a lesson in patience. Now he's reaping the rewards of his labor.
“It couldn't be written higher. I waited the entire time and the thrill and the load that was lifted off my shoulders was pretty cool,” he added.
And after sharing his joy over Wednesday's hit along with his family – by presenting the sport ball to his mother – Westbrook desired to honor his father in an identical way on Thursday.
The infielder tracked down the fan who caught his home run and offered him a signed bat in exchange for the ball, which he gave to his father.
Westbrook's dreams are quickly becoming a reality, and he'll cap off his first week in the most important leagues with three consecutive games in Chicago. The Red Sox play the White Sox on Friday, Saturday and Sunday before returning to Boston to face the Phillies on Tuesday.
image credit : www.boston.com