Red Sox
“It’s by far the best moment in my career. Something I’ll always remember.”
Cam Booser’s road to the show was anything but normal.
He quit baseball in 2017 after not making it past Single-A. Following injuries such as breaking his back after being hit by a car in 2015 and undergoing Tommy John surgery in college, plus receiving a 50-game suspension for a positive marijuana test, Booser took up carpentry post-baseball to stay afloat.
In 2020, the left-handed pitcher discovered that he was able to throw in the high 90s pain-free. Booser hired a trainer who shared videos on social media showing his capabilities.
Soon enough, the hurler-turned-handyman seemingly turned back the clock and found himself with an independent team in Chicago.
After a stint with the Diamondbacks’ minor league system and another independent ball club, Booser found himself in Worcester with the Red Sox’ Triple-A team.
Fast forward to April 19, 2024, Boston recalled the 31-year-old to join the roster ahead of the Red Sox’ three-game series against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Booser closed out Boston’s 8-1 win in the ninth inning and struck out Andrew McCutchen for his first career K.
“It’s still pretty surreal,” Booser said postgame. “It was a pretty surreal moment. I tried not to look up and just try to stay in the moment. Afterward, tried to take it all in. It’s by far the best moment in my career. Something I’ll always remember. … Thanking God for the opportunity and understanding what a blessing it was to be able to step onto that mound tonight.”
After the game, NESN’s cameras showed an emotional Booser sitting in the dugout, soaking in the culmination of his hard work.
Red Sox manager Alex Cora spoke glowingly of Booser after the game.
“We’re very proud of him,” Cora said. “Our best game of the season, but I think [Booser] tops everything. It’s a special day for everybody here and obviously a special day for him.”
Before Friday’s game, Cora said he anticipates Booser will have a meaningful role on the big league roster.
“We expect him to do big things for us,” Cora said.
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