Not too long ago, Torii Hunter Jr. was catching passes as a wide receiver at Notre Dame. On Sunday, he was playing in a spring training baseball game.
Hunter played in nine games for the Fighting Irish last year, catching 38 passes for 521 yards and three touchdowns. He was also drafted by the Angels during the 2016 Major League Baseball First Year Player Draft. Instead of continuing to play football, Hunter has decided to pursue a baseball career.
Hunter has been part of the Angels’ minor league camp this spring training. However, on Sunday, he go to play with those in major league camp. And, Hunter’s first game action included a moment he surely won’t forget anytime soon. He came in as a pinch runner for Mike Trout.
It was awesome,” Hunter Jr. said, according to The Orange County Register. “Just a great opportunity coming up from minor league camp and being able to work with these guys for one day was awesome.”
As an added bonus, Torii Hunter Sr., who spent five seasons as a player for the Angels, was on hand to proudly watch his son.
“To pinch run for Mike Trout is a sentimental moment,” said Hunter Sr. “Something I’ll never forget. I can’t believe this boy is wearing an Angels uniform.”
After his pinch running appearance, Hunter Jr. did get to bat twice. He would strike out both times. Hunter did not play much baseball while in college so it will likely be a while before we see him in a major league stadium, if at all. However, Sunday was an important step in his journey to realizing his dream.
