MLB Network looks at the remarkable story of Navy graduate Mitch Harris
When Memorial Day arrives on Monday, it will take on an extra-special meaning for St. Louis Cardinals right-hander Mitch Harris.
When the Cardinals line up to face the Arizona Diamondbacks at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Harris will proudly wear the uniform of the first and only professional baseball team he’s represented, while reflecting on his time in another cherished uniform representing the United States Naval Academy.
After being drafted by St. Louis in 13th round of the 2008 draft, Harris had to put those baseball dreams on hold until 2013 as he fulfilled his five-year term after graduating from Navy. But all the while Harris knew he had a commitment to himself to continue working hard to keep the baseball door open. To stay sharp he’d play catch on the flight deck with one of the ship’s cooks during his downtime.
It wasn’t the same as throwing a bullpen session in college or the minor leagues, but it allowed him to work on his mechanics and take off with some momentum and comfort when he returned to the Cardinals.
Amazingly, the hard work paid off. After two years in the minors, Harris debuted for St. Louis on April 26 during a game at Miller Park in Milwaukee. He had the unenviable task of replacing an injured Adam Wainwright that night, but handled his task with poise and effectiveness.
[Woah, The Stew has a podcast now?! Yep, you should listen.]
He also made history that night, becoming the first Navy graduate to appear in MLB since Nemo Gaines in 1921.
Harris’ story is truly remarkable, and we’ve really only covered the outline here. Thanks to MLB Network and its most recent special feature, we’ve all been afforded the opportunity to learn more about the decisions Harris faced and the sacrifices he’s made on multiple levels to balance his commitments with his dream.
It’s a timely feature that will be airing during MLB Network programming on Sunday and again on Memorial Day, but if you have a few minutes right now, we strongly encourage you to click the video above and check it out.
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Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Townie813
