Tike Redman began to wonder if he’d ever reach the major leagues again.
As a member the independent Atlantic League’s York (Pa.) Revolution this spring, Redman said he dreamed of the parts of five seasons he spent playing for the Pittsburgh Pirates, hoping he had not spent his last day in a major league uniform.
“It’s indescribable, especially if you aren’t used to it,” Redman said of the independent leagues. “Rookie ball and independent ball are almost similar. You humble yourself. You come from the big leagues and you go to independent ball, its like nothing you’ll ever imagine. You have to stay humble and work hard and just try not to get hurt [so somebody still] wants you.”
The Orioles wanted Redman, who had established himself as one of the Atlantic League?s best players by hitting .465 with six runs scored in seven games playing for a team managed by former Orioles catcher Chris Hoiles. The Orioles signed Redmanon May 15 and sent him to Triple A Norfolk, where he began where he left off in York by hitting .300 with 2 home runs and 26 runs driven-in in 79 games.
“His time was well-spent with us,” Hoiles said. “He had no ill feelings about being here. He just went about his business and knew he’d be back [in organizational ball.]”
The Orioles purchased his contract on Thursday and rushed him to Baltimore. Redman watched the Orioles? 13-8 loss to Seattle from the dugout, his first game as a major leaguer since the Pirates dealt him to the Mets following the 2005 season.
“It’s been a journey, but I made it out,” Redman said. “At first when you’re in the big leagues, you say to yourself, ‘You’ll never go to independent ball.’ But stuff happens. It made me humble.”Redman played 392 games with Pittsburgh over the course of five seasons, batting .277 with 14 triples, 15 home runs, 101 RBIs and 33 stolen bases.
Redman was announced as a pinch hitter Thursday night, but was replaced by Melvin Mora before his plate appearance. He’ll serve primarily a fourth outfielder, but he played left field and hit ninth against Boston last night.
“He can play [all three outfield positions]. I’ll get him in there when I get him in there,” Orioles interim manager Dave Trembley said. “He stole 25 bases in Triple-A. He can run.”
THE REDMAN FILE
» Age: 30
» Height/Weight: 5-foot-11/ 175
» Bats/Throws: Left/ Left
» Hometown: Tuscaloosa, Ala.
» Did you know? Full name is Julian Juwonn Redman ? He was taken in the fifth round of the 1996 draft by the Pittsburgh Pirates ? Redman?s brother, Prentice, was a tenth round pick by the Mets in 1999 and played 15 games in New York in 2003.
