Scott Heineman takes his second at bat during an August 2 Rangers versus the Detroit Tigers game.
(Editor’s note: the photos were taken from the television screen and I apologize for the lack of quality. I’ve done other stories about Scott and his baseball career, which can also be found on this blog https://www.circlingthenews.com/scott-heineman-s…or-aaa-all-stars/ )
His Major League Debut with Texas Rangers
I’m now a Texas Rangers fan. My neighbor, Scott Heineman, 26, who was playing Triple A ball, was called up today (August 2) and made his major league debut in Arlington, playing centerfield against the Detroit Tigers.
Batting seventh in the second inning, Heineman hit a fly ball that was caught deep in centerfield. His next at bat, he singled to shallow right field.
The ball was recovered and thrown to his mom and dad, Kathy Lingg and Steve Heineman, who were all smiles at their son’s first major league appearance.
Kathy was interviewed on television during the game and asked about her feelings when she saw her son reach first base on a hit. “It was something you dream about since T-ball,” she said, and told the interviewer that Scott had called her at 3:11 p.m. as she was going into a meeting on Thursday and told her “Mom, I’m going to the show.” The Heinemans quickly made plans to fly to Texas.
Heineman’s third at bat was a strikeout but he then singled up the middle, giving himself a .500 batting average. The Rangers won the game, 5-4.
After the game, which was on Fox Sports, one of the announcers said, “Heineman deserved to be here after his minor league performance.”
The Palisades native was interviewed after the game and asked how it felt. “It was everything and more,” Heineman said. “Once I walked into the clubhouse today everyone welcomed me in with open arms.”
He spoke about what happened when he got the call. “The guys were excited, and it was cool to be in Nashville and celebrate with those guys,” he said, noting that he had worked hard to reach the majors. “I couldn’t wait to get here. I’m thankful for the opportunity.”
In 129 at-bats with Triple-A Nashville, Scott was hitting .372 with six home runs and 18 RBI.
In January, he was selected as the 2018 Tom Grieve Minor League Player of the Year by the Rangers.
Heineman was selected in the 11th round of the 2015 draft out of Oregon.
Scott’s parents Steve Heineman and Kathy Lingg were shown on the television screen after son Scott had his first hit in the majors.