The Colorado Rockies grabbed their 63rd victory of the season last night against the Los Angeles Dodgers, but for one player, it was a lot more than just another big league win.
Rookie Stephen Cardullo took the road less traveled to get this point in his career. Instead of making his way up through the different levels of the minor league system, Cardullo ended up playing baseball in a New York Independent league prior to getting his first call-up to the majors.
Cardullo, once a low-level prospect in the Arizona Diamondbacks system, earned his first career Major League hit at the age of 29 Monday night.
“I got a hit!” Cardullo said, with a smile on his face. “It was a great feeling to get that first hit. The love and support this Colorado Rockies fanbase has, you know, the best fans … They gave me a big standing ovation, and I want to thank them for that.”
The shock and awe was definitely in effect when Cardullo was speaking with media, and it was refreshing to see someone’s childhood dream come true, especially with so much doubt and uncertainty surrounding his journey.
Manager Walt Weiss chimed in on the situation following the team’s win.
“It was extra special seeing Cardullo get his first hit,” Weiss said. “It’s a great story. It’s a great story of persevering. He’s a really good kid.”
Congrats to you, Stephen. Enjoy it!
