Trammell creates excitement in Futures Game
After meeting one of his childhood idols, Ken Griffey Jr., the day before, the Cincinnati Reds’ top prospect was receiving advice from fellow Reds legends Barry Larkin and Eric Davis at AT&T Field.
On Sunday Taylor Trammell played in his second straight MLB AllStars Futures Game, and the 2018 MVP of that game impressed yet again with an RBI single and appeared to be safe on instant replay in his attempted steal of home plate.
“Meeting Ken Griffey Jr. was the highlight of my time in Cleveland (Ohio) and maybe even my life,” Trammell said. “It was a wonderful time to showcase my talent and show Reds fans who is up-and-coming. I was safe at home plate, but it’s OK. I had a blast and soaked everything in.”
Learning tips at Progressive Field from Griffey, who blasted 630 home runs in his major league career, Trammell flew back to Chattanooga just in time to enter as a double-switch for the Lookouts in the sixth inning of Monday’s 5-3 loss to Jackson.
Trammell appeared to be soaking in every word as he walked down the line with another Hall of Famer as Larkin and MLB’s No. 27 top prospect were in deep conversation.
The former 1995 National League Most Valuable Player and 12-time All-Star has been a pivotal mentor as well has Davis, who once stole 80 bases in a single season, to the 21-year-old outfielder.
“Learning from Mr. Larkin and Mr. Davis and having them take me under their wing is one of the most important things that has happened during my professional career,” Trammell said. “Sometimes I will think to myself, ‘Goodness gracious, I am getting advice from a Hall of
Famer and one of the best athletes who ever lived.’ For them to be invested in me as a player and a person really means a lot.”
In an age in which young players in major league baseball are making the game all that more entertaining to watch, it should be only a matter of time until Trammell is adding to the youthful movement.
“It’s neat because guys came up to me the other day at the Futures game and said it’s awesome you are doing some things other players would not
do,” Trammell said. “The game for me is all about having fun, playing hard and being yourself.”
After a slow first half of the Southern League season, Trammell appears to be finding a groove. The left-handed hitter has nine hits in his last 24 at-bats and is batting .252. He has a .278 career minor league average in 375 games.
His patience has proven big-league ready as he has drawn a league-most 49 walks and is in the top five with a .378 on-base percentage. Trammell is also 16-for-19 in stolen bases.
A solid hot streak away from possibly a big-league call-up, he is grateful for the stage he is on.
“Mr. Larkin and Mr. Davis are not just teaching me, but everyone in this organization,” Trammell said. “This club has made changes all across the board and is set on winning. I really am learning how to play the game and approach it the right way from a lot of great mentors.”