Dream debut: Mariners prospect Cole Young shines with game-winning RBI

SEATTLE – Young infielder Cole Young made his Major League debut with the Mariners on Saturday night, and what a memorable debut it was. After being promoted from Triple-A Tacoma, Young proved his worth in his first game against the Minnesota Twins.

The culminating moment arrived in the 11th inning, when Young hit a fielder’s choice that drove in the winning run, securing a 5-4 victory for the Mariners.

From that game, that’s when I started imagining myself in this park and debuting.
Cole Young

This moment was something Young had dreamed of since he played baseball in his childhood in Wexford, Pennsylvania. Although, with a small difference.

It’s usually in the World Series. But I never imagined that I would hit a walk-off in my debut. I didn’t sleep last night. I was thinking about every scenario that could happen, and a walk-off wasn’t on my mind.
Cole Young

Young, who played second base and batted eighth, not only had his first plate appearance, but also got his first hit. The prospect, selected 21st in the 2022 amateur draft, showed his offensive potential, which had already shone in Tacoma. In the season, Young batted .277 with an OPS of .853 for the Rainiers. In May, his performance was particularly outstanding, with a .366 average, a .467 on-base percentage, 10 doubles, three triples, and five home runs.

He’s been on fire in Tacoma and has been batting very, very well. It’s exciting to have him here and for him to be part of the team today.
Dan Wilson, manager

The night was equally exciting for Young and his family. His parents traveled from the suburbs of Pittsburgh, along with his brother and his best friend. Young shared the news of his promotion to the Major Leagues with his family during the Tacoma game, which took them by surprise.

I think the best reaction was my mother’s. She was screaming, screaming on the phone. And I started crying. I think that’s when I realized, really, when I started crying and she did too. And then I called some of my friends and they were in shock.
Cole Young

As expected, Young admitted he was a little nervous in the early innings, but calmed down after his first hit. However, the emotion was overwhelming after his game-winning fielder’s choice, when his teammates surrounded him beyond first base.

Overall, the night was as good as Young could have hoped for, and he hopes to be able to take it all in over time.