A’s catcher puts on a show for Ports’ ‘kids’
MLB veteran has an impact while on injury rehab in Stockton
STOCKTON — There’s a reason, Stockton Ports manager Webster Garrison said, why even the most durable professional baseball catchers need a day off every now and then.
It’s a brutal position physically and one that puts a pounding on the knees — not to mention the rest of the body — of those who undertake the craft.
So to have a big league catcher such as Nick Hundley, who is recovering from arthroscopic knee surgery, around the young Ports, is a blessing for Garrison, his coaching staff and his roster.
“It is awesome for the kids in the clubhouse just to be around an experienced major league ballplayer like that,” Garrison
said of the 35-year-old Oakland A’s catcher. “That’s what I was telling them right before our (pregame) stretch.
“This guy is the ultimate professional.”
Hundley began a rehab stint with Stockton by batting second and catching during Wednesday’s Cal League game against the Lancaster JetHawks at Stockton Ballpark. The 12thyear big league player struck out in his first two at-bats and flew out to center field in the fifth.
He was scheduled to play seven innings Wednesday.
The game finished after press time, and Hundley was not available for an interview pregame. Stockton took a 3-1 lead through five innings after a two-run triple from Jeremy Eierman broke a 1-1 tie in the bottom of the fifth.
“He has tricks up his sleeve that no one else has,” said Ports catcher Jordan Devencenzi, a former West High and Delta College standout. “It’s going to be really exciting to see what he does down here with his tools and his experience, and it’s ultimately all for the good.”
Devencenzi — as Hundley strolled past nearby with a large green-and-gold A’s bag — said he hadn’t found time yet to sit down with the longtime pro as of Wednesday evening.
Devencenzi, 26, is one of two catchers on the regular Ports roster, along with 23-year-old Robert Mullen.
“Before the day ends, maybe I’ll get a chance to one of these times when we’re sitting down in the locker room,” Devencenzi said.
“The amount of years he’s had, and the amount of success is unbelievable. It’s nice to. ...watch his routine and see what he does to warm up. It’s phenomenal just to watch.”
Hundley has dealt with both his surgery and back spasms this season, and is batting .233 with two homers and five RBI. He broke into the big leagues with the San Diego Padres in 2006 and is a .247 lifetime hitter with 93 homers and one playoff appearance (as a member of the 2014 Baltimore Orioles).
Hundley is making his first Cal League appearance in 13 years — the last time was with the Lake Elsinore Storm in 2006.
“I met him in the past; I saw him come through the minors. We know a lot of guys in the same circle of baseball. He’s a good baseball guy and a great person overall,” said Garrison, who’s in his first season as Ports manager.
“He’s here to help these kids in any way, fashion or form. I’m just happy he’s still playing baseball.”
Hundley will be joined by fellow Oakland A’s left-handed pitcher Sean Manaea in today’s game at Stockton Ballpark. The Ports had won two in a row entering Wednesday’s matchup and were 46-48 this season.
“There’s a reason he’s been in the major leagues for 10 years,” Garrison said of Hundley, who is approaching 1,000 big league games played.
“On top of everything, he’s a great guy.”
And Garrison knows just how valuable it is to show young catchers how much care has to be taken to preserve their bodies. Garrison and Hundley both know how that can change -- especially when a player reaches their mid-30s and beyond.
Said Garrison: “It’s not as easy as it used to be.”