SEATTLE — Cole Young, a promising infielder, took the field at the Futures Game in Arlington, Texas, last July as an up-and-coming Mariners prospect recently promoted to Double-A Arkansas. The experience fueled his aspirations to eventually join the ranks at T-Mobile Park.
Reflecting on that pivotal game, Young shared, “That’s when I began envisioning myself here, making my debut.”
At 21, Young realized this dream on a Saturday night when he was called up from Triple-A Tacoma, making an impressive major league debut against the Minnesota Twins. Delivering a fielder’s choice in the 11th inning secured his first RBI, leading the Mariners to a thrilling 5-4 win.
Recalling his childhood baseball fantasies in Wexford, Pennsylvania, Young said, “In my dreams, it’s usually the World Series. I never imagined hitting a walk-off in my debut. I didn’t sleep last night, thinking of every possible scenario, but a walk-off wasn’t one of them.”
Young, who started at second base and batted eighth, quickly demonstrated his talent with his first hit. The 2022 amateur draft’s 21st overall pick wasted no time showing his offensive prowess, which had been evident with Tacoma.
Throughout the season, Young had been hitting .277 with an OPS of .853 for the Rainiers. In particular, his performance in May stood out with a .366 batting average, a .467 on-base percentage, and contributions like 10 doubles, three triples, and five home runs.
“He’s been incredible down in Tacoma and has swung the bat extremely well,” remarked manager Dan Wilson. “It’s thrilling to have him as part of the team today.”
It was a memorable night not only for Young but also for his family, who traveled to Seattle from the suburbs of Pittsburgh. Among them were his mother, father, brother, and best friend.
Young broke the news of his big league call-up to his family during Tacoma’s game, taking them by surprise. “My mom’s reaction was the best,” Young recalled. “She was screaming on the phone. I started crying, and that’s when it truly hit me. I also called some friends who were equally shocked.”
Expectedly, Young confessed to feeling nervous in the initial innings. However, he gradually found his rhythm after securing his first base hit. The adrenaline peaked following his game-winning fielder’s choice, with teammates exuberantly gathering around him beyond first base.
Overall, the night exceeded Young’s expectations, and he looks forward to reflecting on the whirlwind experience. “I still haven’t fully comprehended the game,” Young admitted. “It’s been an unbelievable 24 hours.”