Texas Rangers manager Skip Schumaker created a memorable moment for one of his pitchers as Opening Day approaches.
In his first season leading the team, Schumaker found a unique way to inform reliever Carter Baumler that he had earned a spot on the roster. During the fifth inning of a March 23 exhibition game against the Kansas City Royals at Globe Life Field, Schumaker walked out to the mound but not for a routine pitching visit.
Instead of discussing strategy, he told Baumler he had made the team.
Schumaker later explained he wanted the moment to be special, recalling how vividly he still remembers his own call-up experience. Baumler, who had just retired two batters, was caught off guard when he saw his manager approaching. As teammates began to congratulate him, the surprise quickly turned into a moment he says he’ll never forget.
The 24-year-old has yet to pitch in the major leagues, having only reached Double-A before being selected in the Rule 5 Draft and eventually landing with Texas via trade. Because of that status, he must stay on the Rangers’ major league roster all season or risk being returned to his original team.
Texas will kick off its season on the road against the Philadelphia Phillies on March 26.
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