Chris Donohoo knew a little something about the pitcher from University of Alabama at Birmingham. He had pitched at the school - going on to be a part of the first-ever Lowell Spinners team in the Red Sox organization - and continued to follow the program.
So, when he received a text from Garrett Whitlock, reaching out to "Mr. Donohoo" with a request for part-time employment at Donohoo Auto, the owner of the establishment was quick to help out a fellow hurler in need.
All the way up until 2018, Whitlock would work at the dealership in Pelham, Alabama, diligently serving as a porter (moving cars throughout the lot as needed) while making sure each automobile was clean as a whistle.
Flash forward to this past weekend and the kid the bosses at the dealership nicknamed "Strikezone" was answering questions about a new contract extension that could be worth more than $44 million.
"The story will bring a tear to your eye if you think about it," Donohoo said while appearing on the Bradfo Sho Podcast.
"He was working at probably the lowest position at our dealership because it was a transitional job. He knew he wasn’t staying. He was about to get married, start his life. At that point, you know how baseball works. There is no certainty. He was an arm injury away possibly doing what he was doing at a little higher level.
"What he was doing, it’s just amazing to think about. When I saw it come across about his contract and then thinking about that text he sent me - ‘Hey, you have a job for me in the summer or Christmas?’ - Man, what an amazing story."
It has been a few years now since Whitlock last worked at the dealership. But Donohoo still recalls that day he put his days of washing windows in the rearview mirror, having gotten an invitation to join the Yankees' prospects for an invitation-only workout prior to the 2019 season.
"He sent me that text and we just happened to be there the same day," Donohoo remembered. "I’m like, ‘Look man, the opportunity you have is just incredible.’
"They had some high aspirations for him. He was throwing the ball well. It was looking good for him. I had been following him and I was excited. The kid is 6-5 with a seven-foot wingspan. He had a shot just by physicality alone, on top of what can do. And I knew his demeanor. I was like, ‘Just pitch.’ What he does will play at that level. So I just remember giving him a handshake, giving him a hug and saying, ‘Hey man, I’m just so happy for you. I couldn’t be happier for anyone. To come to our dealership and being part of doing what you did here, being a good umpire, with nobody knowing you were here because you were so good at what you did.’
"Obviously, you pitch for the Red Sox, you’re going to be seen. But you know Garrett, he doesn’t want to be seen. He wants to get the job done, do what it takes and go home and see his wife. He’s an All-American kid. It’s real. You hear about kids like that or people like that, but I’ll tell you it’s all real. He authentic."