First MLB Hit: a personal moment shared by thousands

During much of the 2011 baseball season fans across the nation have heard about the Kansas City Royals coming crop of franchise-altering prospects. And in these latter days of the campaign, several have been called up to KC so that the brass may see where they stand on the line of progress.

During MLB Memories recent trip to the city of fountains we were able to see the first major league hits of the Royals current second baseman, Johnny Giovatella, and the catching prospect (now back in the minors) Manny Pina. On both occassions the fans in Kansas City greeted the guys with great enthusiasm and standing ovations for their efforts. But the tribute for Pina seemed especially warm because of the young man’s reaction.

Pina had been called up to replace the injured Matt Treanor and made his first start for the Royals on Wednesday, Aug. 3, against the Baltimore Orioles. He went 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored, and his double in the seventh inning was his first major league hit, and he later scored on Billy Butler’s 3-run homerun. What was extra special about this, however, was the reaction of Pina. So many kids have been schooled to “look cool” when they get their knock, and it usually translates into looking as if they are bored. Maybe Pina was told the same things, but he was not able to pull it off! As the attached pictures show, once the catching prospect was on second base safely and he realized what had happened, his smile dimmed the lights in Kauffman Stadium. And he was not alone, the fans gave the standing “O” and you can see Alex Gordon still smiling broadly when Pina greets him at home after Butler’s blast.

It was nice seeing such a personal moment shared with thousands. Enjoy the photos!