Houston. – The excitement of a Major League debut always marks a before and after in a player’s career, but for Samuel Basallo, the number 1 prospect of the Baltimore Orioles, the news came in an even more special way: it was his own father, Jairo Basallo, who informed him that he had been promoted to the big team.
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The club prepared the surprise in the prelude to the duel against the Houston Astros, when the 21-year-old Dominican was meeting with the Norfolk manager, Tim Federowicz. In the middle of the conversation, he received a video call from his father, who announced to him between tears and smiles the fulfilled dream: “You’re going to the Major Leagues!”
The scene, shared by the team, reflects the most human side of baseball and has touched teammates and fans alike. “It was a unique moment, I will never forget it. Hearing it from my dad made it even more special,” Basallo declared.
Basallo, born in Santo Domingo and signed in 2021 for 1.3 million dollars, arrives with solid credentials: in 76 games with Norfolk in Triple-A he batted for .270/.377/.589, with 23 home runs and 67 RBIs. His production in recent weeks convinced the management that the moment had arrived.
Baltimore plans to use him as a catcher and designated hitter, sharing time with star Adley Rutschman, as well as having opportunities at first base.
His arrival also has symbolic value for the Orioles: he is the first major international signing of the general manager Mike Elias era to debut in the Majors, confirming the club’s strategy of expanding its presence in Latin America.
Teammates like Jackson Holliday don’t hide their expectation: “Samuel is an incredible talent, he has power and contagious energy. We knew this day would come”.
