During the Boston Red Sox's 8-1 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday night at PNC Park, a dream that feels like it only happens in movies came true.
In the ninth inning, with Boston up 8-0, the team called upon 31-year-old lefty Cam Booser to pitch the final frame.
The Minnesota Twins signed Booser as an undrafted free agent back in 2013, and a number of injuries, including a broken sacrum after a car accident, forced him to retire from baseball in 2017.
However, in 2020, after throwing without pain for the first time in many years, he began an attempt at a comeback.
Booser spent 2022 with the Double-A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks and 2023 with Boston's Triple-A team in Worcester.
After four appearances with Worcester this season, where he struck out 15 of the 25 batters he faced, he got the call-up to Boston to make his debut.
On Friday, he pitched one inning, giving up one hit and one run while striking out Andrew McCutchen - one of the best players of this generation.
After the game, Booser took some time for himself in the visitor's dugout of PNC Park, where he was clearly emotional, and a number of his teammates came to show him support.
Cam Booser getting emotional in the dugout after his debut.
— Tyler Milliken ⚾️ (@tylermilliken_) April 20, 2024
What a cool moment. Especially knowing how much he battled to get here. pic.twitter.com/czAHVUpWtt
This is such an incredible moment, and it's so impressive to see someone realize their dream even when all hope seems lost.
With Boston's need for another lefty out of the bullpen, Booser could be making more appearances for the club in no time.
