Reid Detmers was seated in University of Louisville baseball team’s meeting room with his dad, Kris, beside him when he heard his name called in the Major League Baseball draft. The 10th pick and the Los Angeles Angels. Accompanied by heart-thumping joy and all sorts of other emotions for the Detmers.
His dad played in the minor leagues in the St. Louis Cardinals organization for nine years, including one season in 1997 for the Louisville Redbirds. He never got to the majors but Reid credits dad with being by his side and pushing him to get better. “A dream come true” for both of them.
A few minutes later while conducting interviews over a video teleconference Reid’s cell phone rang again. This time it was eight-time all-star Mike Trout who plays center field for the Angels, wanting to welcome Detmer to the organization. It’s not often one gets a call from one of the game’s superstars.
The Angels are getting a quality left handed pitcher with Detmers who possessed one of college baseball’s best curve balls. During the last two seasons he won 13 games and struck out 167 batters. As a sophomore, he was instrumental in getting UofL to the College World Series for the fourth time ever.
During the 2020 abbreviated season, Detmers struck out 48 of the 91 batters he faced in 22 innings. “It’s really a dream come true,” Detmers said. “I’ve worked my whole life for this opportunity. I think I can move quickly because I’m a pitchabilty guy.”
A call and a moment I'll never forget. I'm so excited to join the @Angels organization!#MLBDraft pic.twitter.com/77lNf2Ixa5
— Reid Detmers (@RDetmers) June 11, 2020
His teammate Bobby Miller was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers as the 29th pick, also in the first round. In three seasons as as a Cardinal, Miller compiled a 15-2 won-loss record with 174 strikeouts and a 2.31 earned run average in 41 appearances with 175 strikeouts.
Miller is the third Louisville player the Dodgers have selected with their last six first-round picks. They chose right-hander Kyle Funkhouser in the first round in 2015 and catcher Will Smith the following year. Funkhouser didn’t sign and Smith made his major league debut last season.
In high school, when in the area for a tournament, Miller said he visited Dodger Stadium for the first time. He and his father sat in the first row in right field. He fantasized about playing there.
“This is my dream,” Miller said. “If I can pick, if I had the choice, this would be the one.”
So great. Happy for both of them. And still thrilled with the Cards, even if we could not be out at Patterson this spring. Go Cards!