In what is likely the final September call-up, the Arizona Diamondbacks purchased the contract of Konrad Schmidt from the Double-A Mobile BayBears. Schmidt, who was with the Diamondbacks in spring training, left a very favorable impression with the coaching staff.
Everyone was impressed with Schmidt’s poise behind the plate and how he handled the pitching staff. Add to this the fact that he posted good offensive numbers while with the BayBears and Schmidt earned a late season call.
While in Double-A, Schmidt hit .315 in 107 games driving in 65 runs including hitting 11 home runs. Almost more important Schmidt struck out only 63 times. That may seem a tad high but considering he had 124 hits the hit to strikeout ratio is much better than the current players on the Diamondbacks roster.
Schmidt becomes the third catcher on the Diamondbacks roster behind starter Miguel Montero and backup Jon Lester. Interim manager Kirk Gibson has requested another catcher to give him some flexibility late in the game.
Schmidt would have been called up earlier but the Mobile BayBears were involved in the Southern League playoffs and were not eliminated until Sunday night.
After a loss and an extended bus ride back to Mobile, Schmidt was notified of his call to the big leagues. He quickly packed his things and rushed to the airport to catch a flight to Cincinnati.
Arriving just before batting practice, Schmidt had a whirlwind day that ended with the culmination of a lifelong dream, to be a Major League baseball player. He did not have to wait long before seeing game action.
In the ninth inning Schmidt pinch hit for pitcher Juan Gutierrez walking in his only at-bat. So while he is still waiting for his first major league hit he should be content knowing his on base percentage is 1.000. Congratulations Konrad, and best of luck in what everyone hopes is a long and successful career.
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