When Dave Sappelt rolled into Chicago from Louisville late Saturday he probably didn’t expect to be in the Cincinnati Reds starting lineup less than 24 hours later.
But he was.
Sappelt, of Graham and a Southern Alamance graduate in 2005, led off and played left field in the Reds 8-7 victory over the Cubs at historic Wrigley Field. Pretty cool site to make a major league debut. Sappelt went 1-for-5 with a sharp single to left and made more than a couple of great defensive plays. He definitely drew the notice of manager Dusty Baker for his work in the outfield. To find the videos click here.
My friend Lonnie Wheeler, a longtime Reds watcher, former sports writer and now author of several books about baseball, told me Reds fans have clamored for Sappelt to be brought up for the past few weeks. They would like to see him installed full time at the top of the order and be the everyday leftfielder with spot duty in center.
All in all, Lonnie said Sappelt had a great first day. He hit a rocket to center on the first pitch he saw Sunday afternoon and made a sliding catch in left later on. He also saved a run by letting a ball stay lost in the famous outfield ivy at Wrigley, which kept the runners from advancing further.
Graham got several shout outs during the game and afterwards when Sappelt was interviewed for the postgame show he talked very briefly about his home. A lot of people here are cheering him on.
wow is all I can say he sure made north carolina and alamance county really proud Way to go Dave may u always fulfill ur dreams
Congratulations on the major league
good job Dave,Wish you the BEST. FROM B.J. HOLT’S DAD.
I’m looking forward to big things from Dave — except when he plays my Cardinals!