SEATTLE — Rookie sensation Roman Anthony has had a rocky start in the majors, but Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora decided to lighten the mood during a recent game. He joked that Anthony texted him asking to bat third, which is exactly what Cora had planned. The move paid off when Anthony hit a slider from Seattle Mariners pitcher Logan Gilbert for his first major league home run in a 2-0 victory.
“It was awesome,” Anthony said after the game. “Even better that we got a great win.”
Coming into the game, the highly-touted player was struggling, hitting just .059 in his first six games. However, Anthony remained upbeat, showing confidence despite the pressure. “I haven’t felt overmatched, so I’m not worried about it,” he noted. His attitude indicates a strong mental outlook, essential for success in sports.
Interestingly, Anthony is the youngest Red Sox player to debut since Rafael Devers, who was traded recently. Devers also hit his first major league homer against the Mariners back in July 2017. These connections highlight the rollercoaster nature of baseball careers—new talents emerge just as veterans move on.
As the Red Sox lineup continues to shift, young players like Anthony are stepping up. The team has now won six straight games and nine of their last eleven. “This is who we are,” Cora said, emphasizing the importance of integrating young talent.
Anthony was a second-round draft pick and recently made headlines with a stunning 497-foot grand slam in Triple-A. Last season, he proved his capabilities, boasting a .288 average with 10 home runs and 29 RBIs over 58 games.
After securing his first big league homer, Anthony expressed a fun family tradition: he gives the baseballs to his parents, who handle the framing. “I’ll give it to them for sure,” he said with a smile.
As we look at the trends in baseball, Anthony’s journey reflects the growing emphasis on young talent. Teams are increasingly relying on rookies to shake things up. This fresh energy can revitalize a franchise, just as it appears to be doing for the Red Sox now.
While Anthony’s initial struggles may worry some, his resilience and supportive teammates are promising signs. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how this new chapter unfolds. Baseball is unpredictable, but one thing is clear: the joy of hitting a home run is a universal celebration.