PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) - Ke'Bryan Hayes is finally in Pittsburgh and playing for the Pirates. The 23-year-old third baseman, at--or near--the top of the organization's top prospects' list, was scheduled to make his Major League debut vs the Cubs Tuesday, batting seventh against Jon Lester.
"This is what I've worked for my whole life," Hayes said prior to taking the field at PNC Park.
Hayes learned of his call up from Brian Esposito, who runs the Altoona training site. He told Hayes he was going to Pittsburgh to work out and get some at bats against Mitch Keller...and stay.
"At first, I was like 'are you joking with me?' I was ecstatic. I got chills in my body. You can ask anyone back home, I put 100 percent effort into getting where I am today."
Hayes' father Charlie played third base for 15 seasons, including most of the 1996 season for the Pirates.
"It's very special just to carry on a legacy," the younger Hayes said. "I get to wear his number (13) and just represent my family and represent the Pirates. It's very special for me."
Infield drills were part of Hayes' early childhood, and he is widely regarded as one of the best defensive infielders in baseball, winning three Gold Gloves in the minor leagues.
And while he learned his baseball from his father, it was his mother Gelinda that got the first phone call with the big news.
"I actually called my mom and then I called my dad," Hayes said. "My mom was like, really, really? I was like 'yeah I'm going up, mom.' Right after I called her, I called my dad. He kinda didn't say anything at first, but I could hear it in his voice, sounded like he was crying a little bit. That was really special for me."
Unfortunately, none of Hayes' family members will be able to attend his debut. He said they will be watching on television.
If his career pans out as the Pirates hope, those family members will have many years to watch him in person.
