Think about how many kids dream about making it to MLB one day, only to fall short and having to build their careers in independent leagues.
Thousands, we would say.
That exercise should tell us just how valuable, and important, personal milestones are in the major leagues.
Yu Darvish of the San Diego Padres is about to reach a really cool one when he steps on the mound for his next outing against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
“Here’s something: Yu Darvish enters tomorrow night’s start against the Dodgers six strikeouts shy of 3,000 in professional baseball. He has 2,994 Ks in 17 professional seasons: Japan (2005-11): 1,250 K. MLB (2012-22): 1,744 K,” Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune tweeted.
Here's something:
Yu Darvish enters tomorrow night's start against the Dodgers six strikeouts shy of 3,000 in professional baseball.
He has 2,994 Ks in 17 professional seasons:
Japan (2005-11): 1,250 K.
MLB (2012-22): 1,744 K.— Kevin Acee (@sdutKevinAcee) September 1, 2022
An Incredible Number That Should Be Celebrated
Fans don’t always appreciate milestones like that one, but the thousands of kids who know how hard it is not only to reach the majors, but to stay there on a prominent role for many years do.
Darvish was an excellent pro in Japan and has been one in the United States, too.
Since signing with the Texas Rangers back in 2012, the talented right-hander has a solid 3.55 ERA in 10 seasons.
He has been a really solid starter with a deep repertoire that allows him not only to dominate lineups at the highest level, but also, to do it with lots of strikeouts.
With a 29.3 strikeout rate in MLB, you could say he has missed his fair share of bats.
Reaching 3,000 for his career, when we combine his performance in the two best leagues in the world, speaks of his talent level.
This year, he is trying to help the Padres get to the postseason.
At the moment, as of Friday afternoon, his team is reaching its objective.
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