Galvis makes (dubious) history in debut
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Galvis makes (dubious) history in debut
Matt Gelb, Inquirer Staff Writer
PITTSBURGH — Freddy Galvis did what no Phillies player had done in 42 years: He made his major-league debut in the opening day starting lineup.
Then he made more history: He was only the 11th player in modern baseball to hit into two double plays in his debut game. No Phillie had ever done that before.
"When I got to the field, that first inning, I just looked around, saw the field, and enjoyed myself," Galvis said. "I've been working for that. I enjoyed it. It's lot different, baseball here."
Galvis assisted on five plays and made two putouts at second, one on a nifty 6-4-3 double play ball in the first inning that bailed out Roy Halladay from his only trouble.
There were nerves, the 22-year-old Venezuelan said. But after the double play ball, he could relax some.
"The first inning I was nervous," Galvis said. "After that, I felt good."
The last Phillies to make their debuts as starters on opening day were Larry Bowa and Denny Doyle in 1970.
For the record, Galvis said he wants his name to be pronounced as its spelled. No more GAL-vees as had been the case during spring training.
Have a question? Send it to Matt Gelb's Mailbag.
let's hope he can turn as many DP's as he hits into.— dubsman24- the return of Steve Jeltz - slick glove, .220 hitter. Oh well. I hope I am proven wrong . . .— Justicek
- Fredy Galvis Relax and be the BALL!— Kevinmac
- He is Steve Jeltz after 1 game? I see a future star with great speed and a knowledge and feel for the game. I think Charlie and Reuben made a great call.— tommazza
- Always like that there are so many willing to call the entire future of a player based upon ONE GAME!
"The hills are alive with the sound of munching.
It sounds like a herd of hungry chickens lunching!"— BEMiller - His name should end in a 'z' sound since he brings the GIDP aspect missing since Valdez is gone.— burholme
- Wait until June before judging him. If he hits .240 for the year, I will consider that very good for a rookie. Even Schmitty didn't hit for much his first year.— 4thand10
- That is a good point. Give the kid a chance. I hear a lot of complaints about how the team is aging. This gives the team an opportunity to see what he can do at the major league level over time. How many guys hit the cover off the ball as a rookie. — bgreenage
- He'll be lucky if he is still starting by the end of April.— PortCity
- Future star? He couldnt hit in the minors, and he is expected to hit in the majors?— Bobphxville
- Don't rub it in. Galvis can't be thrilled. He's a kid and he's in there for defense, which along with pitching that will determine Phillies fortunes.— retzlaff
- If they batted Rollins first and Galvis second, he'd never hit into double plays.— jtj10
- LOL, well done — n62
- He'll do well and can't help but get better as he learns the ropes. Hey, he's a rook for pete's sake, and how many make that big a splash when push along a little faster because he's needed for the moment. Get Martinez back and we have an identical model. Get the old Utley back, and then we have good hit, not so great fielder. It's a wash. Chase has gotten better in the field and worked on it. Gal's will get plenty of help around the plate as time goes on as well, be it here or back down in Lehigh (with some guy named Sandberg; remember him?) This year's team will HAVE to win with pitching and defense as usual, because the offense only shows up when the other team doesn't have p and d. We don't have no corner on the market on either, although we almost do. Still we'll have to see what's left in all those tanks. I intend to keep rooting for them come what may, because the last five seasons were a whole lot better than it was for many previous years!!— ocpizza
