From long-shot major-leaguer to rookie all-star, it's been an improbable few months for Oakland Athletics relief pitcher Andrew Bailey.
The last few days have also been a blur for Bailey, a graduate of Paul VI High School in Camden County who was selected to the American League all-star team on Sunday. Bailey's parents, who live in Medford, will attend the All-Star Game in St. Louis on Tuesday, along with his sister and girlfriend.
"I was going to head to Napa Valley for a short vacation during the all-star break, but obviously I don't mind changing my plans," Bailey said yesterday by phone from Boston, where the A's are playing the Red Sox. "When I first heard about it, I was taken back and completely shocked."
Bailey was informed in front of his team about 12:30 p.m. Sunday before the A's game at Cleveland. He was Oakland's only selection.
"All the guys were hugging me and congratulating me, and it was just a great feeling," he said.
Bailey began the season in the bullpen and has worked his way up to being the A's closer. Entering last night's game, he was 4-1 with a 2.03 ERA and nine saves in 13 opportunities. The righthander had struck out 57 in 482/3 innings.
Bailey said he had received countless phone messages over the last few days, and his only regret is that he hasn't been able to return them all.
The 25-year-old Bailey, who led Haddon Heights to the American Legion World Series in 2003 and competed for Wagner College, was 5-9 with a 4.32 ERA last year for double-A Midland in Texas. His standing changed, however, when Bailey was moved to the bullpen at midseason. In relief, Bailey finished the year 4-1 with a 0.92 ERA.
He was a long shot to make the A's this year but had a 0.66 ERA in 12 spring-training appearances and earned a major-league spot and now a bullpen seat for the All-Star Game.
Contact staff writer Marc Narducci at 856-779-3225 or mnarducci@phillynews.com.
