OFF THE WALL

We just couldn’t let this stuff go …

Bernard finally getting his shot

Wynton Bernard finally got his chance to play in the major leagues a decade after he was drafted by the Padres, and he made it count, writes Michael Kelly of The Associated Press.

The Colorado Rockies selected Bernard’s contract from Triple-a Albuquerque on Friday. The Rancho Bernardo High alum batted eighth and played center against Arizona, finishing with a single, a stolen base and a run scored as the Rockies won 5-3.

“It’s a special moment,” Bernard said before the game. “After how many years I’ve played I’m finally here. It’s amazing. I’m finally here.”

The 31-year-old Bernard was taken in the 35th round of the 2012 draft and spent three seasons in the Padres’ minor league system. He also played in the minors for Detroit, San Francisco and the Chicago Cubs along with stints in the Mexican Winter League, Venezuelan Winter League and independent ball.

He also played for the Brisbane Bandits of the Australian Baseball League.

Colorado manager Bud Black went to see Bernard (pictured) and outfielder Connor Joe (Poway High) in the winter of 2020. He pitched batting practice to both players and encouraged the Rockies to sign them.

“I made the recommendation to our front office to see if we can sign these guys,” Black said.

Joe made his Rockies debut in 2021 while Bernard played for the Isotopes the past two seasons. He hit .254 with seven homers in 2021. This year, his numbers are outstanding: .325 with 17 homers, 24 doubles and 26 stolen bases.

Bernard shared the news with his mother in a video call. She was able to attend Friday’s game.

“My mom’s emotions, it made me break down even more. She’s done so much,” he said. “The way I saw her take care of my dad before he passed away, he was bedridden but she stayed by his side. I said to myself, ‘I know how hard she worked so I’m gong to work just as hard — if not harder.’ Just to see her reaction meant a lot.”

Trivia question

On this date in 1971, Cardinals right-hander Bob Gibson no-hit the Pittsburgh Pirates in an 11-0 victory. Two Cardinals drove in three runs each that day. One was right fielder Joe Hague. Who was the other?

They said it

• From Nationals manager Davey Martinez, on the Juan Soto trade with the Padres: “Whenever I think about it, yeah, it’s really sad . ... I’ve just felt grateful that I managed Juan and also bummed he’s not here anymore . ... But we got some great young players back for him. Now, all I can do is look at the future.”

• From Cubs rookie outfielder Seiya Suzuki, soaking in the ambience of Thursday’s Field of Dreams game against the Reds: “There aren’t many cornfields like this in Japan.”

• Tweet from Thomas Carrieri of Lostinbostonsports.com, on kids eating free whenever the Red Sox win: “The good news about this season is the Red Sox are single-handedly ending childhood obesity.”

Trivia answer

Gibson himself had three RBIS with a sacrifice fly and a two-run single. Third baseman Joe Torre and catcher Ted Simmons each had four hits. The Pirates had the last laugh that year. They went on to win the World Series 4-3 over Baltimore.