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Texas Rangers: Brandon Mann’s MLB debut at the age of 33

ByNeil Harrington|
ANAHEIM, CA - APRIL 29: A general view of baseballs and a catching glove is seen near the first base line prior to the MLB game between the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Angel Stadium on April 29, 2018 in Anaheim, California. The Yankees defeated the Angels 2-1. (Photo by Victor Decolongon/Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CA - APRIL 29: A general view of baseballs and a catching glove is seen near the first base line prior to the MLB game between the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Angel Stadium on April 29, 2018 in Anaheim, California. The Yankees defeated the Angels 2-1. (Photo by Victor Decolongon/Getty Images)

The Texas Rangers recently purchased the contract of Brandon Mann, who makes his MLB debut at the young age of 33.

You’ve probably never heard of Brandon Mann unless you are a diehard Tampa Bay Rays fan who followed the 2002 MLB draft under a microscope, where he was selected in the 27th round. For his entire MLB career, Brandon Mann has been an afterthought, hovering in the minor league system; until now. The Texas Rangers bought out his contract, which is fancy talk meaning that Brandon Mann received a promotion to “the Show,” for the first time.

The reason for his call to the Texas Rangers was a stellar start to the season down in Triple-A Round Rock, where Brandon Mann boasted a microscopic ERA of 1.04 in 12 games. With the Texas Rangers needing pitching and needing badly, they took a chance on the veteran minor leaguer.

Ironically, former Cy Young award winner Tim Lincecum is pitching in Triple-A Round Rock, but that’s a good story for another time. Now, back to Brandon Mann.

The potent lineup of the defending World Series champion Houston Astros greeted the 33-year old journeyman. Welcome to the big leagues, “kid!”

Brandon Mann was not afraid of the moment, where he retired the first two batters he faced; with ease.

The moment’s not lost on his wife and family, whose reaction here says it all.

There’s usually no crying in baseball, but it’s okay if you’re choked up from reading this. Real men cry and are unashamed to do so.

Those 333 games prior undoubtedly including many bus rides, city tours, small paychecks, and a rough lifestyle. Now, Brandon Mann is savoring every moment, grateful for his dream coming true.

His lifelong dream nearly didn’t happen, with no teams taking notice of the 33-year old and Brandon Mann almost gave up hope. In an interview with the Star-Telegraph in Dallas, he revealed those details to Stefan Stevenson.

"“There was a good month and a half before I got signed … were we like, if no teams call are you ready to be done? I was at a point where I didn’t want to go back to independent ball. I had done it multiple times already, and I believe in my heart that I was definitely capable of pitching in the big leagues.”"

Next: Ichiro has no idea who the *expletive* Tom Brady is

We are all glad you toughed it out and didn’t give up. Savor each moment and enjoy playing under the bright lights, on the biggest of stages. Who knows, maybe a real contender will take notice, and he’ll be able to pitch in a postseason game. We can only hope!

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