Welcome to the Majors, Mayberry: Rookie homers in debut with Phillies

Philadelphia Phillies outfielder John Mayberry Jr. crushed a three-run home-run against Andy Pettitte and the New York Yankees. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II) " width="512" height="312" />

Making his major league debut, Philadelphia Phillies outfielder John Mayberry Jr. crushed a three-run home-run off New York Yankees starting pitcher Andy Pettitte. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

In the Texas Rangers farm system, the former Stanford standout John Mayberry Jr. was either a strikeout or home-run waiting to happen. He could not get on base enough, which is usually the case for hitters strictly dependant on getting ahold of one and depositing it into the seats. The Rangers gave up on their first round pick in the 2005 Major League Baseball, as he managed only a .326 On-Base Percentage and a .253 batting average in their organization. They traded him to the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for one of their former top prospects, Greg Golson.

Mayberry, 6′5″, lean muscularly, with uncanny speed and incredible range in the outfield, was given another chance. In an organization that clearly cared for him (Golson was once the Phillies seventh ranked prospect, and a first-round pick himself), the 25-year old proved his worth immediately. In his first six games of spring training, he hit .353 with six hits and 5 rbi’s; he finished the Grapefruit League with 3 home-runs and 10 rbi’s. Finally, after doubts were raised throughout his tenure in the Rangers system if he could live up to his five-tool potential, he appeared on the fast track to the major leagues.

Named their 11-best prospect, Mayberry fed off his superb play in spring training, and took his rejuvinated game to Lehigh Valley, Philadelphia’s Triple-A affiliate. In 37 games, he boasted a respectable average of .277, hit 8 home-runs, and drove in 25 rbi’s. His .346 on-base percentage was his highest since a mark of .358 with the Rangers Single-A affiliate in 2006, a year in which he crushed 21 home-runs and drove in 77 rbi’s. He struck out 42 times in 137 at-bats, which was not a good ratio, but Philadelphia understood his potential.

In this age of baseball, if the longball is your forte, no matter the side-effects that come with the power ability, there is a great chance you will get the call to the major leagues. Since Mayberry improved his average an on-base percentage, and continued to display speed on the basepaths and in the outfield, his probability to get the call from the Phillies upper management was only increased.

On May 22, his dream came true. He hopped on a plane for New York, and joined the team for the second game of their series with the New York Yankees. He was in the major leagues, in a major league dugout, amongst major league players. Though that experience alone must have been surreal, he could do more than just admire his surroundings, as he was inserted into the starting lineup, batting eighth and playing right field.

He worked a full-count in his first major league at-bat, facing Andy Pettitte, without swinging. He patiently waited for his pitch, and found it–a fastball right down the pipe–but didn’t hit it squarely, as the ball innocently scurried into the glove of Derek Jeter, who routinely threw him out at first base.

His second at-bat was far more successful. With the Phillies locked in a 1-1 tie, Pettitte allowed a single to Shane Victorino, and walked Pedro Feliz to start the inning. The lanky, 230-pound rookie strode to the plate. He not only was in a prime position to give Philadelphia a lead, but also to make his debut a memorable one. Pettitte started him off with a slider, which lopped high and outside. Mayberry took a big rip at the second offering, a fastball in the lower portion of the strikezone. Though it was a pitch he can hit, and hit a long ways, he, as all power hitters, loves pitches at eye level. The next pitch was to his liking. The slider didn’t slide, straight and in his wheelhouse. Mayberry swung with all his might, and connected with the barrel of the bat, the sweet spot. The ball soared, quickly and far, rocketed into the left-field seats. The laser was a three-run homer. He trotted around the bases, with millions of jubilant thoughts flowing through his head. His dad, John Mayberry Sr., who hit 245 homers in a 14-year major league career that spanned three decades, couldn’t believe it. He said his “heart about jumped out of my chest” when his son made contact. Junior touched home plate, and walked towards the dugout.

His teammates paid no attention to him. Jimmy Rollins, heading to the on-deck circle, didn’t even acknowledge his existence. Neither did manager Charlie Manuel, who leaned on the railing of the dugout, his eyes deliberately fixed on the ground below him. Mayberry jogged down the steps, laughing, shaking his head. He was the recipient of the rookie treatment. Everyone in the dugout, too, ignored him, congratulated Victorino and Werth, but not him. Then, seconds later, he was mobbed, slapping hands with everyone. Everyone except Rollins, who stood in the on-deck circle sporting a smile.

As if his day could get any better, Mayberry place a lofted a Pettitte changeup perfectly in between New York’s second baseman Robinson Cano and outfielder Nick Swisher. Mayberry flew out of the batters box, thinking double all the way. He never broke his long, smooth stride, halfway to second base before Swisher collected the ball. He slid into second base, beating the throw easily. He hopped up, dusted himself off, and shared a laugh with Jeter, who was covering.

Welcome to the majors, Mayberry.