Zack Short, the Tigers’ rookie baseman, wore no deer-in-the-headlights expression.
This is a good thing.
His parents had had enough, hitting a deer on their way to the airport in upstate New York before flying to Detroit to see Zack make his major-league debut against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the first game of a doubleheader at Comerica Park.
His parents informed Bally Sports Detroit that the deer lived. Short, on the other hand, flourished.
Short, who was acquired from the Chicago Cubs last summer for Cameron Maybin, drew two excellent walks in his first two major-league plate appearances and had three solid plate appearances in the 3-2 loss.
On defense, he made a handful of excellent plays.
“I don’t believe it’s truly struck me yet,” Short said after Game 1 before coming off the bench to start Game 2. “It wasn’t until about an hour before the game that it truly hit me.
“I’ve always wanted to do something like this.
“I’m grateful for everything along the way.
Short, who entered the major leagues after receiving just one scholarship offer out of high school, received word on Tuesday afternoon that he would be called up.
Renato Nunez was DFA’d by the Tigers to make room on the roster.
Short called his father right away after receiving the call. On the first tee, Dad was. Then he referred to Mom as a “crier,” as Short refers to her. She bawled along with the script.
The family then planned last-minute travel plans to Detroit, thanks to Short’s agent, and made it there after the deer incident, huddled up in the stands to see it all unfold on a frigid day at the game.
How Much Does Zack Short Make?
Zack Short makes an annual salary of $570,500.