Brendan Rodgers records what could be the weakest first hit of all-time
May 20, 2019, 4:24 PM
When it comes to MLB debuts, Brendan Rodgers didn’t exactly make a splash. The Rockies No. 1 prospect made his long-awaited first appearance with the big club this past weekend while Colorado was in Philadelphia, a moment that many had been looking forward to for nearly four years. Let’s just say it didn’t go great.
In his first-ever at-bat, Rodgers did drive in a run. But it was in a meek manner, as he grounded into a fielder’s choice. The roller to first produced an RBI, however, when Raimel Tapia was able to beat the throw home.
But that was a highlight-reel moment compared to Rodgers’ first hit. On Saturday, Rodgers hit a dribbler down the third base line that Philadelphia’s Maikel Franco couldn’t handle. It could’ve been scored an error; perhaps, it should’ve been. But instead, the official scorer ruled it an infield hit, getting Rodgers a positive mark on the ledger.
Brendan Rodgers records his FIRST Major League hit today!! Way to go @Broddddd3 💜 #Rockies pic.twitter.com/izaF6P3KWV
— Rockies HQ (@RockiesHQ) May 18, 2019
All told, Rodgers was 1-for-8 during the series with the Phillies, with one RBI and four strikeouts. It’s fair to say the “1’s” weren’t exactly something Colorado’s second baseman will be regaling his grandkids with someday.
But that didn’t prevent the team from highlighting the moment. After all, every single looks line a line drive up the middle in the scorebook.
Officially official!
Congrats on your first Major League hit, B-Rod! pic.twitter.com/Ax7oZLgjNO
— Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) May 18, 2019
Someday, this moment will provide an interesting anecdote. If Rodgers goes on to have a great career, it’ll be a funny story about how his career got off to a underwhelming start. But if the prospect turns into yet another player that is more sizzle than substance, it will be the face-plant moment that will come to define him as a flop. Here’s hoping it’s the former.
Is this much ado about nothing? Perhaps. But turn the clock back three years and remember Trevor Story’s first MLB hit.
Welcome to the Show! #Rockies Trevor Story's first big league hit is a 3 run jack pic.twitter.com/JVWbZ2XTua
— Arran Andersen (@arranandersen) April 5, 2016
That day in Arizona provided a glimpse of what the Rockies had in Story; it was a sign that the shortstop of the future was on the field in the present. Such was not the case with Rodgers in Philly.
