Zelous Wheeler’s Call-up Shows That Hard Work Pays Off

Jul 3, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New York Yankees third baseman Zelous Wheeler (45) celebrates with second baseman Brendan Ryan (17) after hitting a solo home run in the fifth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Zelous Wheeler got the news of his call-up while he was on deck Wednesday night against Buffalo. He was finally headed to the big leagues.  It has been a long road for Wheeler, who has been through the ranks of the minors for the last 8 seasons. “I never gave up on it and i never will” Wheeler said to the Star Ledger’s Dave Hutchinson. Wheeler bounced between Double-A and Triple-A since 2011. “My time is here and I’m going to try to make the best of it.” 

Wheeler sometimes doubted if he would ever get his shot in the big leagues, but his passion for the game kept him going. Despite having an impressive spring training, where he batted .297 with six RBI, he didn’t make the team. Wheeler’s passion did not leave him as he batted .299 with 7 HR At Triple-A Scranton.  “I’ve been waiting for this all my life, dreaming this as a child and it has come true,” said Wheeler.

Zelous was getting some warm ups in at Target field before Thursday’s game at the Twins, When he decided to take a minute to reflect on everything. He had realized his dream. He was a Major League Baseball player, and for the Yankees nonetheless. In the top of the fifth inning, Zelous Wheeler smashed his first career homer off ex-Yankee Phil Hughes. It was also his first career hit.

THREE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT ZELOUS WHEELER:

1. WHEELER IS SOLID WITH THE GLOVE AT THIRD.                                                                                                                                       Being only 5 ft10, and not having the prototypical third baseman’s body, you wouldn’t expect Wheeler to be as nimble as he is at third. He has also played short and corner outfield spots in the minors. Wheeler’s got a cannon for an arm.

2. WHEELER HAS GOOD POWER.                                                                                                                                                                               As Wheeler displayed last night against the Twins, he has got impressive power. He’s got 75 career homers in the minors. He had 7 HR this year before his promotion. Wheeler has been projected by scouts as being capable of hitting 15 plus home runs a year as a major league player.

3. WHEELER WAS A GREAT LINEBACKER.                                                                                                                                                       Zelous was one of the best high school football players in the state of Alabama, but chose to play college baseball over accepting one of his many football scholarship offers. Good Choice Zelous!