Daniel Nava is 27.
Daniel Nava got cut by Santa Clara University, served as their clubhouse manager for two years - washing their uniforms - and had to enroll in a junior college before Santa Clara later wanted him back.
Daniel Nava went undrafted and got cut from tryouts for an indy league team in Chico before signing on with them a year later.
The Red Sox signed Daniel Nava out of Chico and put him in A-ball at 25, where Nava OPS'd .948.
The Red Sox then shifted Daniel Nava between A-ball and AA the next year, at 26, and Nava OPS'd .991.
This year, at 27, Daniel Nava spent two months in AAA, where he OPS'd .856.
And, earlier today, Daniel Nava got promoted to the Major Leagues, and in the Major Leagues, he faced Joe Blanton and hit the first pitch he saw over the fence for a grand slam.
Baseball is amazing.
18 comments
The only other player to hit a GS in his first at bat on the first pitch was Kevin Kouzmanoff in '06
Take that for what you will.
TheLoneDavid - June 12, 2010
I think Hermida did it as a pinch hitter in his first AB, but yeah, not first pitch.
Fett42 - June 12, 2010
I was so happy I was watching the game on Fox.
I love baseball!
Mariner Melee - June 12, 2010
Daniel Nava was 70 pounds entering his freshman year of HS.
Slurvey - June 12, 2010
And 4'8"
TheLoneDavid - June 12, 2010
This season's been pretty extraordinary
In fact, I’d go so far as to say there’s Nava been another one like it.
Eyeball Kid - June 12, 2010
Good one
jackyz - June 12, 2010
He just needs to give up a grand slam in his first pitch as a pitcher... then he would have an unimitable record.
thehemogoblin - June 12, 2010
That mean's he's averaging 1 pitch per plate appearance.
God, he’s worse than Yuni.
I Lick Squirrels - June 12, 2010
I really hate when guys swing at the first pitch
Gihyou - June 12, 2010
You know, except when they he grand slams on them
vivaelpujols - June 12, 2010
More amazing details
http://firebrandal.com/2010/05/02/daniel-nava-from-washing-uniforms-to-wearing-a-pro-one.html
Jeff Sullivan - June 12, 2010
Good for him. Hey, Nava, you cheered me up.
I mean, this means you never know. Right? You never know.
ignacio - June 12, 2010
You have to admire the man's brazen courtship skills:
PawSox Player Nava Leaves Tickets for Erin Andrews for 3 Straight Years
esoteric - June 12, 2010
Now he might have a chance!
Jeff Sullivan - June 12, 2010
Additional fun fact:
Nava’s rights cost the Red Sox one dollar.
Jeff Sullivan - June 12, 2010
So cool
vivaelpujols - June 12, 2010
Raul Ibanez also had a "special" play in that game on a J.D. Drew hit
Milendriel - June 12, 2010
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