Found these two stories interesting, hope if your reading you do too.

Mark Appel 30, P was the number 1 draft choice of the Pirates in 2012. In the minors he struggled for years, both with injuries and results. He was often injured, and finally retired. Out of baseball for 4 years, he decided to try one more time. The reliever poor Phillies signed him and at the age of 30, he finally made his major league debut. Thursday night he pitched the ninth inning in a blow out loss. Gave up 1 hit No runs, and got his first major league KO. Friday he pitched the ninth in a blow out win, and tossed a perfect inning. Both low stress situations, but he and his family were thrilled.

Darick Hall 26; DH drafted 14th in 2016 by the Phils. Never mentioned as a top prospect, this year he had 20 HR in AAA. With Bryce Harpers injury, the Phils called him up. Thursday he went 0 for 4. Friday 2 for 4. Both hits were HRs. The second against a non pitcher in a blow out. The Phils batted him 4th both nights, figuring that was where he was comfortable. His smile rounding the bases and his wife’s (Phils are good at family reaction shots) were huge.

Update Friday Night Game 3 Hall hits HR #3 which was the game winner

In post game interviews both guys were happy just to be here. Dreams achieved! Futures unknown, but they had their major league dream.

Nice stories.

There's too many negative ones, even in sports...like Deshaun Watson, Kyrie Irving, etc. I hope these two kids make it with the Phils.

Not sure if either will long term, but it was nice watching there first steps. Remember there 30 & 26 year old rookies.

enjoyed and appreciate the post. While I've never heard of Hall, I certainly remember Appel and saw him pitch back in 2012 (he went to Stanford and I live not all that far from Palo Alto). He was lights out. Recall he returned for one more season at Stanford, was drafted by the Astros (#1 overall I think) and after a few years, I completely forgot about him. Great to see he persevered and made it to the Show.

Great stories. Thanks for sharing.

Number 1 draft choice by the Astros in 2013

Appel was drafted ahead of Kris Bryant. We Cubs fans were mighty grateful for that.

Update

Appel has now pitched 4 scoreless innings, all in low stress situations.


Hall has 7 hits in 23 AB .304 Ops is 1.043