It was just a normal day at the ballpark for Nathan Patterson. And then, his life changed.
While at a Colorado Rockies game, Patterson stepped into a speed pitch challenge, and threw 96 mph.
Guys, we were just chillin at a @rockies baseball game, and my brother decided to step into a speed pitch challenge…he hit 96 mph 😳 @MLB Let’s get him signed! pic.twitter.com/g0fKrvUxzt
— Christian Patterson (@cpatterson_7) July 15, 2019
The video garnered over 700,000 views and got the attention of the Oakland Athletics. Patterson actually threw the same speed at the A’s AAA affiliate in Nashville the year before. This reignited his love for baseball because he hadn’t thrown for a few years before that.
He started seriously training again but was slowed down when he was hit by a car and had to get surgery on his non-throwing wrist.
Here is an example of Patterson throwing from a simulated mound.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BtyIQeOHs40/
The A’s were clearly impressed with Patterson and signed him to a minor league deal.
“How can you not be romantic about baseball” -Billy Beane
Words cannot describe this feeling and I cannot thank everyone enough who has been part of this journey so far! pic.twitter.com/E4eSMUDmU5
— Nathan Patterson (@npatterson_12) August 1, 2019
Patterson was reportedly working on a contract with the A’s since February, but this viral video sealed the deal.
His story goes to show that there is no direct way to play in the MLB. It showcases that with hard work and good work ethic, anything is possible.
Jaclyn Galvin is a writer and Radio Personality for Prime Time Sports Talk and a sophomore at Emerson College in Boston, MA. You can connect with her on Twitter and Instagram @jaclyngalvin.
