After a challenging trip from Reno to New York, Slade Cecconi made a significant impact in his debut with the Arizona Diamondbacks. The 24-year-old right-handed pitcher received the call to action while playing a round of golf at the Red Hawk Golf and Resort in Reno, Nevada, on the 13th hole. This was a career-defining moment as he prepared to step onto the big stage.
The Journey Begins
Cecconi’s journey was not without its challenges. After flying to San Francisco and then connecting to New York, he joined the Diamondbacks for an important game against the Mets. In this game, the Diamondbacks claimed a 10-5 victory, with Cecconi pitching 4 2/3 innings and allowing only one run.
Reflecting on the whirlwind of events, Cecconi commented, “The past two days have really been long. I’m looking forward to getting a good night’s sleep and a nice meal.”
Early Career Highlights
This wasn’t Cecconi’s first experience in Major League Baseball; he initially debuted on August 2 the previous year. In that outing, he recorded his first strikeout, albeit under unusual circumstances when a hit was deemed foul upon review. With a 0-1 record and a 4.33 ERA across four starts and three relief appearances, he returned to Triple-A Reno to refine his skills.
Following his call-up due to Merrill Kelly’s shoulder injury, Cecconi earned his first MLB win on April 21 in San Francisco. However, his subsequent performances led to a brief reassignment on May 21, after struggling with a 0-4 record over five starts.
A Quick Turnaround
Cecconi described the fast-paced nature of his recent travel: “I packed up and headed home. I woke up at 4 a.m. for a 6 a.m. flight, which took about seven hours of travel. I arrived just in time for the first inning of the game, threw a few warm-up pitches, and then today came.”
An Impressive Debut
In his debut against the Mets, Cecconi showcased impressive command, throwing first-pitch strikes to 13 out of 18 batters. He completed 71 pitches, with 46 strikes, averaging 94.6 mph on his fastball. His pitch mix included 34 fastballs, 27 sliders, eight curveballs, and two change-ups.
Although he allowed Mark Vientos a home run in the fifth inning, Cecconi remained composed, delivering five hits, striking out four, and allowing no walks. His performance helped the Diamondbacks break a five-game losing streak. Manager Torey Lovullo praised Cecconi, saying, “Slade did really well. It was a close game, and this was a team effort.”
Despite the unexpected call-up, Cecconi believed the limited preparation time actually worked in his favor. He explained, “Getting out there and locking in my mechanics before the game while staying aggressive was key. We had an assertive game plan from the start and kept ahead, which required a focused mindset.”
Slade Cecconi’s story is one of resilience and determination. As he continues to make his mark in Major League Baseball, fans and teammates alike will be eager to see what he accomplishes next.
