Houston, Texas (KTRK) – In his first Major League Baseball debut on Saturday, Houston Astros player David Hensley will step onto the field with his family, beaming with pride and watching him.
“It didn’t really shock me yet,” Hensley, 26, admitted before the match. “I’ve been working on this my whole life. I’ve been preparing mentally for a long time too.”
Hensley was named a 792nd pick in the 2018 MLB Draft and spent four seasons in the minor leagues before being promoted to the major leagues on August 20.
He didn’t appear in a game until Astros manager Dusty Baker put him as the short lead for the Astros against the Baltimore Orioles on Saturday.
“I’m sure there will be some thought at some point,” Hensley said. “I’ve always thought about being a professional baseball player since I was a little kid. He’s here, and I feel ready. I feel confident, and I’m here to do it.”
Hensley’s parents, Tracy and Mike, and sister Taylor were present at Saturday’s game.
“We are still in shock,” said Hensley’s father.
“It’s surreal. As a parent, you think maybe he’s had a chance to do it since he was five or six years old and it’s paying off.”
“I’m so happy for him,” Tracy added. “I’m glad for him that he got his dream.”
Standing at 6 feet 6 inches tall, Hensley is the tallest player on the Astros roster.
“When he first started playing T-ball, one of the coaches told David he should roll the ball to first base,” Mike said. “He was already throwing the ball across the court, and the kids at first base couldn’t catch it.”
Now that David has reached a level where no matter how hard he throws, the first player on the base will be able to catch him. And his proud family will be there to witness him.
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