Uncertain to make the roster when spring training began, Joey Rickard has been a pleasant surprise for the Orioles early on this season. On Thursday, he made quite an impression on reigning American League MVP Josh Donaldson, or more specifically, his glove.
In the bottom of the first inning, Rickard lined a pitch toward third base. It looked for all the world Donaldson would make the play, because he was in position to do so. However, the ball went straight through the webbing of Donaldson’s glove and trickled down the line.
One can only imagine what Donaldson was saying to himself while chasing the ball down the line and looking at the glove that failed him. Rickard, who came into the day third on the Orioles in hits with 18, was credited with an infield single on the play. I’m sure he’ll have fun telling the story of No. 19.
