It’s been a bewildering ride for Adam Melhuse.
The Oakland A’s catcher and UCLA alum was in the minor
leagues a few short months ago. Now he’s just a few victories
away from the World Series.
“It’s pretty crazy,” the 31-year-old Melhuse
said. “The thought of playing in the World Series gets me
giddy like a little girl.”
A three-year Major League veteran, Melhuse had been playing for
Triple-A Sacramento before being again called up to the Majors in
May. He’s posted a batting average of .299 with five home
runs and 14 RBI ““ none bigger than his game-winning single
against Texas on Sept. 23.
With two outs and the bases loaded in the bottom of the 10th
inning, Melhuse ripped a single past Rangers’ shortstop Alex
Rodriguez to plate the winning run. That victory, coupled with
Anaheim’s 2-1 win over the Seattle Mariners, clinched the
American League Western Division Title for Oakland.
“It was the biggest hit of my career by far,” said
Melhuse, who had also thrown out a Texas runner trying to steal
after entering the game in the ninth inning.
“I saw the whole thing shaping up in front of me. It was a
97 mph fastball, so I didn’t have to take a full swing. I hit
a hard ground ball that I thought was right at Alex Rodriguez, but
it sliced away from him. It was awesome.”
Originally drafted by the Chicago Cubs in 1993, Melhuse enjoyed
brief stints in the big leagues with the L.A. Dodgers and Colorado
Rockies before joining the A’s during Spring Training in
March.
He’s performed admirably in Oakland, albeit as a back-up
behind starting catcher Ramon Hernandez. Although Melhuse has only
played in 39 games this season, he has made his mark as a capable
pinch hitter and a steady defensive replacement.
“Every player wants to play more ““ you
wouldn’t be a competitor otherwise,” Melhuse said.
“But I’m sitting behind an All-Star. Ramon Hernandez
has had a hell of a year, so I’m fine with that.”
So what does Melhuse think of the A’s World Series
chances?
“We’ve got the talent, and we’ve got the
heart,” Melhuse said. “We’ve got a good chance.
If (Mark) Mulder comes back, it would be a big boost.”