fbpx
Skip to main content

Atlanta Braves call up Sean Kazmar, who last played in majors in 2008

Sep 30, 2020; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; A general view of the outside of the stadium prior to the game between the Atlanta Braves and the Cincinnati Reds at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

A 36-year-old infielder who hasn’t played in the major leagues in nearly 13 years has a new home.

Sean Kazmar Jr., who most recently played in the majors on Sept. 23, 2008, with the San Diego Padres, was placed on the Atlanta Braves’ active roster on Saturday before the game against the Chicago Cubs, the Braves announced.

If Kazmar were to play Saturday, it would mark a span of 12 years and 206 days since his last MLB game.

Kazmar played in 19 games for the Padres in 2008, batting .205 with eight hits and two RBIs in 39 at-bats. Since then he has played in Triple-A for the Seattle Mariners, New York Mets and Braves. He had been with the Braves’ Triple-A affiliate in Gwinnett, Ga., since 2013.

“That was one of the greatest moments I’ve had as a manager at all the levels,” Braves manager Brian Snitker said about the moment he told Kazmar of his promotion, per the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “It’s amazing. It’s a book or movie waiting to happen. You go from ‘08 to 2021, you have to be kidding me. To have the perseverance, the dedication, the drive. And I was just telling guys, he’s getting better as a player. He had a crazy year two years ago before COVID hit. I know it drove him nuts last year (not playing).”

Right-handed pitcher Ralph Winegarner had been the most recent player with a wider gap between major-league appearances, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. Winegarner played on June 23, 1936, for the Cleveland Indians and didn’t reach the majors again until July 7, 1949, with the St. Louis Browns — a span of 13 years and 14 days.

In other moves Saturday, the Braves put left-handed pitcher Jesse Biddle on the active roster, recalled right-hander Bryse Wilson, and put left-hander Sean Newcomb and outfielder Ender Inciarte on the injured list.

Related: MLB games today – MLB schedule, TV info, scores, and key dates

–Field Level Media

Mentioned in this article:

More About: