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Dateline: 1,209 Kilometers from the Gulf of Mexico
The crown jewel of the Reds' farm system, Chase Burns, will get a baptism of fire tonight against the New York Yankees, the reigning American League champion.
Burns was drafted with Reds first pick and the second player taken. He did not pitch professionally after his college career at Wake Forest ended.
This year he dominated batters in Dayton, Chattanooga and Louisville after one impressive inning in spring training.
"He threw that one inning the day we sent him down. It was the ninth inning or the eighth. It was late." Terry Francona said. "I temember when we were getting out of the calf carts, Brad (Meador) and Nick (Krall). We knew we had to talk to him and it was should we tell him he made it? It was said jokingly but the point was he was impressive."
"It's exciting," Francona continued. "There is no getting around it. It sends a huge message. We're trying to win and there's no guarantees but when everyone is on the same page pulling in this direction, it bouyies you up a little bit."
The talent is obvious. Burns made three starts at Dayton, eight in Chattanooga and three more in Louisville. combined he was 7-3 with a 1.77 ERA. He struck out 89 batters and walked 13. His WHIP was 0.773.
When Hunter Greene and Wade Miley went down with injuries and the other Chase, Petty had two cracks at starting with limited success to put it kindly. This time the decision was an obvious one.
"You can't replicate your first big league start. It is the most exciting day in your life," Francona said. "Whatever happens won't define him. If he pitches seven shut out innings people will have him in the Hall of Fame. If he gives up seven, people will talk about him being sent down. I told him just be who you are. If we have to make adjustments wwe will but don't try to be something you're not. Let's see if they can hit you. You get him on a five, occasionally, six game schedule and let's go."
Burns was with his roommate in Louisville, Blake Dunn when Louisville manager, Pat Kelly, called him back to the stadium. He was wearing shorts, a T-shirt and gym shoes.
Kelly told Burns that his wardrobe was totally unacceptable. "They won't let you wear that in the Big Leagues."
"I'm excited," Burns understated. "It's dream come true, walking in to see some familiar faces and be a Big Leaguer. Hard work paid off. I talked about wanting to move up fast. Now that it's happened it's surreal. It was like in Dayton making my first start."
A year ago at this time Burns was in the College World Series with Wake Forest University.
Burns was born in Italy, the city is listed as Napoli but he was actually delivered on a ship sailing back to the United States. His father, David and his mother Trinetti met each other while both were serving in the US Navy. His father played football at North Greenville college. His mother is from Lake Charles, Louisianna.
The family settled in Hendersonville, Tennessee. H attended the University of Tennessee but transfered to Wake Forest because they had advanced technology that applied to pitching. He broke Rhett Lowder's strikeout record. Lowder, who is injured, was the Reds' first pick in 2023.
His father is the voice he most listens to for advice and he is in the stands, tonight.
Ironically, Burns grew up a Yankee's fan because his favorite was Derek Jeter. Burns played shortstop growing up.
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