Last August, a week after he debuted at the double A level with Reading and smashed a homerun that was reportedly legendary for FirstEnergy Stadium, I asked Domonic Brown if he thought he might remember his first homerun at each level. Brown told me, "Nah. I plan on hitting so many, hopefully (that I won't remember)." I wonder how that staement applies to the performance that Brown, a Phillies outfield prospect, put on with the big club in Tuesday's spring training game against the Detroit Tigers in Clearwater, Florida.
In his first at bat, Brown launched a massive solo homer that exited Brighthouse Field, promptly played in traffic on the highway outside the ballpark and gave the Phillies a 1-0 lead. The homer, off of 2-time all star and former AL Rookie of the Year Justin Verlander, was Brown's first of the spring.
In his second plate appearance in the 4th inning, Brown smashed another homerun to right field with a runner on base, this time off lefty reliever Phil Coke. When Brown batted again, with the bases loaded in the 5th inning, he displayed his speed and drove home another run on an infield single.
Brown then shined in the top of the 6th inning on defense, when he made a diving catch in the outfield on a sinking liner hit by former Yankee Johnny Damon. In a fourth trip to the plate, Brown walked. He ended the day as the shining star in a 6-1 Phillies victory.
I think that today is a day that Brown will remember for a long, long time no matter how many homeruns he hits during his career. Brown's spring batting average now stands at .417.
Additionally, last August, I asked Domonic what was up with the Phils organization and the media spelling his first name incorrectly through much of his career, until mid-summer last year. About that, he told me, "I don't know what's going on with that, but it really doesn't matter. People have been doing it most of my life, so it doesn't matter." I think the days of people spelling Domonic's name wrong may be over.
Unfortunately for Brown, he is expected to be sent down to minor league camp, effective tomorrow. The decision was very likely in place before Brown's break out performance on Tuesday.
Also in the game, Cole Hamels threw 5 innings, while surrendering just one unearned run. Danys Baez, BJ Rosenberg, Antonio Bastardo and Ryan Madson added a scoreless inning each on the mound for the Phils.
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Full PhoulBallz interview with Brown can be found HERE.
Brown picture- AP
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