Videos of dreams coming true, particularly minor league baseball players getting the “call” to become a big leaguer, are rampant on Twitter and Instragram.
Some Triple A manager calls a twentysomething “kid” to his office, plays around a little bit, and then finally gives him the life-changing news.
Then comes a call home to mom and dad. And, of course, after two decades of effort and commitment from all parties, the floodgates open.
Cam Devanney’s callup and manager’s meeting didn’t follow that particular blueprint.
It was about 10:30 p.m., on an off-day last Monday, and he had just jumped in the shower.
When he was toweling off, his phone was buzzing.
“I had five missed calls from my manager (Mike Jirschele),” recalled Devanney. “I called him right back and the first thing he said when he answered was ‘Answer your damn phone!’”
It was followed by news Devanney has literally been dreaming about long before launch angle and exit velocity were a thing, when he was a Little Leaguer in Amherst, N.H.
“He was pretty brief,” said Devanney. “He said, ‘You’re going up … You’ve worked really hard to get there. Do whatever you need to do to stay there. I’m proud of you.’”
It was about 11 p.m. when he started to make phone calls to his mom, Christine; dad, Michael; his former AAU coach Scott Patterson; and his agent.
“My mom (Christine) freaked out,” said Devanney. “I woke my dad up, and he was in a daze at first. He was pumped.”
He called a few of his closest friends in baseball and those back home, said the 2019 Central Catholic grad.
“For me, even while I was calling people, I couldn’t really process that it was actually happening,” he said. “The last few days it’s been great, reflecting on everything. It has finally settled in.”
It wasn’t really a surprise, Devanney’s call-up. He was among the International League leaders in homers (18) and RBI (55). Earlier in April he had a five-day stretch in which he hit three grand slams, the first of his life.
Devanney was told to pack his car and be in Kansas City, a three-hour drive, by noon on Tuesday. He slept for a few hours before heading to the Omaha Storm Chasers park at 7 a.m. to get some of things.
He was immediately activated but didn’t play on Tuesday and Wednesday. But he was there with the team celebrating the walkoff win on Tuesday night, his first-ever game as a major leaguer.
“I was a little nervous the entire day,” recalled Devanney. “But the guys were great and over the last few days I’ve gotten to know everybody.”
It appears Devanney, a lifelong infielder, will be playing a utility role, probably getting more time in the outfield.
The Royals infield is not only healthy, but one of the best groups in the majors.
“I was told just be ready to play, whenever it happens,” said Devanney. “And I will be ready. I’m treating this like I’ve treated every day this season, just being consistent, through the ups and downs, with my pregame work. It’s been my focus all year and it has really helped me.”
And if your wondering if there is a difference between the minors and the majors, Devanney ensures everyone that there is.
“Absolutely,” said Devanney. “This is the way to live. Kansas City is a great city. The park looks great on TV with the big fountains, but I’ll tell you what, it looks even better in person.”
You can email Bill Burt at bburt@eagletribune.com.