Cardullo working on MLB return
Veteran Isotope focused on making it back to big leagues
Stephen Cardullo doesn’t mind being described as a baseball grinder.
He’s a testament to the benefits of a nose-to-thegrindstone approach.
The Albuquerque Isotopes outfielder has been doing it since college, when he didn’t have a scholarship offer, walked on at Florida State and ultimately became an All-American.
These days Cardullo is trying to grind his way back to the major leagues for a third straight season, and he’s making a convincing case. The oldest Isotope (he’ll turn 31 in August) was hitting .357 after Friday night’s 10-3 loss to visiting Fresno and he’s basically forced his way into the everyday lineup.
Cardullo went 2-for-4 Friday and has hit safely in 12 of his last 17 games, batting over .400 during that span. What’s the key to his recent hot hitting?
“Working,” Cardullo said in prime grinder fashion. “I’ve been working a lot with (hitting coach Tim Doherty), working with (manager) G Hill. They’ve really helped me put things together.”
Forgive Cardullo if he tends to keep things simple and stick to what’s working. He persevered through being released by Arizona Diamondbacks organization and four seasons of independent ball before finally climbing to the big leagues in a Rockies organization loaded with outfield talent.
Hill makes no secret of his appreciation for Cardullo, describing him as “a guy who appreciates his opportunities and always does something to help the team win. Cardullo earns everything he gets.”
Oddly enough, Cardullo’s professional path sounds a bit like his college career. He earned a spot as a walk-on but played sparingly in his first two seasons at Florida State. By the time he left, Cardullo had played in four NCAA Tournaments, two College World Series and inked his name in the sport’s postseason record books.
The latter accomplishment came in 2009 when Florida State crushed Ohio State 37-9 in an NCAA Regional game. The Seminoles set or tied 15 NCAA postseason records in the romp, including Cardullo’s seven-hit performance. He had three of FSU’s record 15 doubles.
“I don’t really pay attention to the records,” Cardullo said, “but I see the Seminoles’ posts on Instagram all the time. I had a great experience playing there and I wish them the best of luck in the tournament. Hopefully, they’ll get back to the College World Series.”
Florida State will have to do it the hard way after suffering a 7-6 upset loss to Samford in its tournament opener Friday night, but don’t expect that outcome to impact Cardullo’s spirits. At least not for long.
“I love being part of the Rockies organization and I love playing (in Albuquerque),” he said. “The fan base is unbelievable and I feel blessed to be here. I honestly can’t say enough good things about this part of my career.” Sometimes the grind is worth it.
Friday was opening day for the 2018 NCAA Regionals and Cardullo is one of eight Isotopes with an alma mater in the field. Infielder Pat Valaika has overall bragging rights as he was part of UCLA’s National Championship team in 2013.
Fresno’s Derek Fisher probably wasn’t too upset to see a series in Albuquerque on his rehab assignment for the Houston Astros. Fisher was called up for the first time last season after a 2-for-5 game in Albuquerque.
His return trip started with another 2-for-5 game Thursday and topped out Friday when he went 5-for-5 and hit for the cycle, driving in four runs. Fisher completed the cycle in four at-bats with a three-run homer in the seventh and added an RBI single in the eighth.
Fisher also got nailed in the face with a relay throw while trying to break up a double play in the third inning. He stayed down for several minutes but appeared uninjured in his final three at-bats.