Val Majewski appeared set to complete his fast track to the major leagues after the Orioles promoted him in August 2004 from Double-A Bowie.
He appeared in nine games for Baltimore and earned the Brooks Robinson Award that season as the organization?s Minor League Player of the Year. However, Majewski?s career suffered a major derailment after he tore his left labrum that September.
Majewksi attempted a comeback the following spring, but reinjured the shoulder, which then required surgery that forced him to miss the entire 2005 season. He said the rehabilitation from that injury was the toughest obstacle he has had to overcome in his short professional career.
“It was tough watching baseball on TV and seeing people I played with or came up with reaching the majors while I was wondering what if I didn?t get hurt,” Majewski said.
Today, Majewski is still trying to rediscover the swing that led him to hit .307 with 15 home runs and 80 RBI at Double-A Bowie two years ago. Now with Triple-A Ottawa, Majewski entered this week batting just .207 in a season where he missed a number of weeks due to an injured ribcage.
Ottawa manager Dave Trembley said it is unfair to assess Majewski?s performance just one year removed from such a serious injury.
“This season for Val is like the first season back for a pitcher coming of major arm surgery,” said Trembley, who also managed Majweski in Bowie. “I think next season will be a true indicator of Val?s ability. His work ethic is off the chart, and I give him credit for his ability to compete.”
Orioles Director of Minor League Operations Dave Stockstill said its only matter of time before Majewski returns to form.
“The injuries set Val back and he?s still working on getting his timing back, and making up for an entire lost season,” Stockstill said.
THE MAJEWSKI FILE
Full Name: Walter Val Majewski
Position: Outfield
Age: 25
Hometown: New Brunswick, N.J.
Did you know? Majewski collected his first major league hit Aug. 21, 2004 off Toronto?s Dave Bush … Represented the O?s in the 2004 MLB Futures Game at Minute Maid Park in Houston ? Batted .353 with 11 homers and 50 RBI in his senior year at Rutgers.
