Micah Owings SP/RP San Diego Padres-May 18th 2012

Micah Owings is a complete major league player.  He's been a starting pitcher, a reliever, and has occasionally come off the bench as a pinch hitter.  Drafted in the 3rd round of the 2005 draft by the Arizona Diamondback, he moved through their minor league system quickly and by 2007 he was the Diamondbacks 5th starter.  His greatest claim to fame came on August 18th, 2007.  Pitching against the Atlanta Braves, he went 7 innings, allowing 3 hits and 3 runs, while striking out 7 batters.  What he did at the plate that night though was record breaking.  He went 4 for 5 with 2 homers and 6 RBI's and scored 3 runs.  His 11 total bases were the most by a pitcher in 50 years.  He has moved back and forth between the bullpen and the starting rotation during his career and last year had a record of 8-0 pitching for Arizona.  San Diego signed him in the off-season with the hope that he can become a starter here.


Arriving at the ballpark, we sat down to watch batting practice down in the right field area.  Our friend Luigi Novella had pointed out to us that Micah was working out in the outfield as he rehabs from an injury.  When Micah was done, Luigi called him over and started to talk to him.  I stood up and ask Micah if he would sign my ball and told him about my blog and asked him my question.  He said he had 2 favorite players, one hitter and one pitcher.  "Frank Thomas and Greg Maddux" was the answer he game me and the reason why? "Because both players cover both sides of the baseball spectrum".   I thanked him for his time and for the first time game him a card with my blog info so he could look it up.


I look forward to seeing you play again soon.