Photo: Emilee Chinn / Getty
DETROIT, April 15, 2021 ~ Tiger Rookie Akil Baddoo was the fifth outfielder two weeks ago. This week, he was in the starting lineup for three games, and he is showing no signs of slowing down.
Since his start, he landed his first home run off the first career MLB pitch sent his way. He earned his first career grand slam in his second game. With his fourth home run hit on Tuesday night in Houston, the 22-year old became the first Tiger in history to hit four home runs in his first eight career games.
The rookie has stayed humble through it all.
“I’m just loving that all my hard work is finally paying off,” Baddoo said. “So I’m just going to continue that and stay mentally strong and carry it throughout the whole season.”
April 15, 2021 ~ \”Bless You Boys\” & \”Prospects Live\” Writer Trevor Hooth talks to Paul W. about Detroit Tiger Akil Baddoo and he says the rookie\’s start has been very impressive.
During the season so far, Baddoo has 9 hits in 23 at bats, batting a .391 with 10 RBI. In addition, he has one double, one triple, one walk and one stolen base.
Before playing with the Tigers, Baddoo played last at Class A Fort Myers in 2019, his season ending due to injury. Following a Tommy John elbow surgery, a procedure usually associated with pitchers, he couldn’t compete in rehab games due to the pandemic.
When he began spring training in February, he had been off the field for nearly two years.
“It was a lot of hard work and I’ve been through a lot the last two years not playing,” Baddoo said. “All the work is paying off and I’m just so glad to get back on the field and produce.”
With his RBI double in the 2nd inning, @AkilBaddoo has now driven in at least 1 run in seven of his first nine career games, the second Tiger in franchise history to do so, joining Dale Alexander in 1929.
— Tigers PR (@DetroitTigersPR) April 14, 2021
