Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez. (Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)
Mariners star prospect Julio Rodriguez made the Mariners’ Opening Day roster and immediately called his parents to celebrate, prompting tears of joy from his dad.
Most parents want to see their children achieve their dreams. For Julio Rodriguez, the dream was to make the major leagues.
On Monday that dream became a reality when the Mariners told their top prospect that he made the Opening Day roster.
The overwhelming joy over that news was written all over the face of Julio Rodriguez Sr. when he got the call from his son.
Mariners Opening Day roster: Julio Rodriguez’s dad lets the tears flow
“The most important call of my life was received today at 10:50 in the morning…’Daddy I did it’…emotions took over me and I really broke down,” the elder Rodriguez said, according to Hector Gomez. “Gratitude to God for making this dream possible”…
The Mariners posted video of Rodriguez’s reaction to the news.
He also shared some details of the call he had with his parents on the Mike Salk Show in Seattle.
Rodriguez is the No. 3 prospect in MLB this year. He has been with the Mariners organization since he was 16 years old.
He played most of last season with Arkansas in AA, hitting seven home runs while batting .362/.461/.546. He also spent time with Everett in A+ batting .325/.410/.581.
He got the chance to impress in Spring Training this year, though there was no guarantee he’d make the Opening Day roster considering the shortened time span. Clearly, Rodriguez didn’t need extra time to convince the team that he makes them better now.