ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

Patience pays off for Arizona Diamondbacks’ rookie Danny Dorn

Apr 23, 2015, 10:58 PM | Updated: 11:22 pm

LISTEN: Danny Dorn, D-backs infielder

Nine years.

Seven teams.

One-hundred forty-eight home runs, 910 hits, 3,252 at-bats.

Zero days of big league service time.

That was the résumé of Danny Dorn — up until Monday, that is.

The 30-year-old career minor-leaguer finally got the call to “the show” when the Arizona Diamondbacks recalled him from Triple-A Reno.

Tuesday night, he stepped to the plate in a Major League game for the first time, drawing a pinch-hit walk in the seventh inning of a game against the Texas Rangers.

Dorn was stranded at third base and the D-backs went on to lose by a 7-1 margin. But none of that really mattered.

“It was amazing,” Dorn told Burns and Gambo Wednesday on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM. “It was a long time coming. I’ve had a lot of people supporting me throughout the last couple of days — the last 36 hours have been crazy, but I was glad to get out on the field and call myself a major leaguer.”

Not only has Dorn had to show patience in reaching the big leagues. Back in 2006, he had to do the same during the MLB First-Year Player Draft. A total of 953 names were announced before the Cincinnati Reds made him a 32nd-round pick out of Cal State Fullerton.

He immediately began his pro career with the Billings Mustangs, Cincinnati’s Pioneer League affiliate in Montana. By 2009, Dorn was playing Triple-A ball in Louisville, just one phone call away from the big time. But that call didn’t come.

In fact, earlier this month Dorn started what would have been his seventh year in Triple-A. A torrid start during which he batted .474 (18-for-38) coupled with an injury to third baseman Jake Lamb paved the way for his promotion.

Despite his long path to Arizona, Dorn remained steadfast in pursuing his goal.

“I never really thought about quitting. I’d be frustrated but I was having good years,” he said. “It wasn’t like I was hitting .220 in the minor leagues going ‘what am I doing, I’m wasting my time.’

“I was putting together some good years and I thought I was going to get a chance sooner or later, and I had great support — my wife has been amazing. I knew I could play in the Major Leagues and I’m just grateful for the Arizona Diamondbacks to give me the opportunity.”

A trek almost a decade in the making is a great story. But the goal for Dorn is now staying in the Majors, something he believes he can do.

“Absolutely. You’ve just got to go out and play the game — it’s the same game,” he said. “You’ve just got to go day-by-day. Come in, do your stuff, prepare like you’re going to play every day.

“Whatever you can do. If you play well, you’re going to help your chances. If you don’t, they’re going to find someone else.”

Arizona Diamondbacks

Blake Snell...

Associated Press

Blake Snell and San Francisco Giants agree to $62 million, 2-year contract, AP source says

Two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell and the San Francisco Giants have agreed to a $62 million, two-year contract.

4 hours ago

Zac Gallen...

Damon Allred

Diamondbacks ace Zac Gallen named Opening Day starter

The Arizona Diamondbacks named Zac Gallen the starter for Opening Day on March 28 when the Colorado Rockies come to Chase Field.

6 hours ago

Merrill Kelly...

Alex Weiner

Diamondbacks’ Merrill Kelly, Zac Gallen building strong outings with Opening Day near

Diamondbacks starter Merrill Kelly followed Zac Gallen's scoreless outing Sunday with one of his own Monday against the Athletics.

7 hours ago

Alek Thomas, Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder...

Kevin Zimmerman

D-backs’ Alek Thomas found confidence with just 2 swings in 2023 playoffs

Two Alek Thomas home runs during the 2023 playoff run for the Arizona Diamondbacks helped build his confidence. You can guess one of them.

10 hours ago

Alek Thomas...

Alex Weiner

NL West preview: Where do the Diamondbacks fit in a new-look division?

No division was more prevalent in the news cycle than the NL West. Here's a preview of the Dodgers, D-backs, Giants, Padres and Giants.

15 hours ago

Corbin Martin...

Alex Weiner

Diamondbacks option RHPs Corbin Martin, Slade Cecconi in final week of spring training

The Diamondbacks continued to clear up roster battles by optioning pitchers Corbin Martin, Slade Cecconi and Blake Walston Triple-A.

15 hours ago

Patience pays off for Arizona Diamondbacks’ rookie Danny Dorn