It’s not every day that someone makes their Major League Baseball debut with a double off the legendary Green Monster with all-star closer Jonathan Papelbon throwing fastballs at them.
For Sonoma State University alumnus Tommy Everidge however, this day was just the first of a promising career with the Oakland Athletics.
His hit landed a foot from the top of the Monster, scoring Jack Cust to help the A’s rally against the Red Sox and eventually win in extra innings, 9-8, on July 28.
A first baseman, Everidge was first drafted to the Athletics in the 10th round in 2004, just after graduating from SSU. He was sent to the minor leagues, where he spent five years earning awards for outstanding batting and waiting to be called up to the majors.
In 2008, he brought in another 22 homeruns and lead the league with 115 RBIs. His batting average against lefties translated into .364 in the majors.
Despite his impressive records, he had to fight for a position with the A’s. The battle to open 2009 came down to Nomar Garciaparra , Joe Dillon and Everidge. It was with a few injuries and a little bit of luck that he was able to play.
Since the first game, Everidge’s bat has become an advantage for Oakland.
Everidge hit his first MLB home-run against Kansas City Chief’s closer Joakim Soria; a 396 ft. shot to right center at the bottom of the ninth to lessen the Cheif’s lead to 12-4.
“It feels really good to get it out of the way,” Everidge told MLB.com.
The next blast came against the New York Yankees on Aug. 18. A long, left field shot would regain the lead for the A’s in the top of the second, but would be the last time anyone crossed the plate. Yankees won 7-2.
Everidge’s last game with the A’s was on Aug. 28 against the Seattle Mariners where he went 1-4 with just one strike-out.
According to the A’s website, he has been “reassigned” but still has a chance at playing in the majors again.
Everidge holds a .224 batting average with a .302 OBP. He has 27 hits, seven RBIs and 13 runs scored in 85 at bats.
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