Val Majewski learned the hard way that sometimes you have to take two steps back to take one step forward.
The 2002 third round pick of the Orioles is among the top players for Double-A Bowie as the outfielder entered Sunday batting .272 with three homers, 31 RBIs and a team-high 36 runs. But, playing for the Baysox in 2007 is not what Majewski envisioned for himself three years ago when he made his first major league appearance.
Recommended Stories
Ironically, Majewski?s troubles began after getting called up to the majors from Double-A Bowie in August 2004. The now-25-year-old appeared in nine games before tearing the glenoid labrum in his left shoulder. He then re-injured the shoulder the following spring training and missed the entire 2005 season.
“Getting to the majors was so bittersweet for me because I finally reached the highest level only to get hurt a week later,” Majewski said.
The 6-foot-2, 222-pound Majewski?s luck didn?t improve much when he finally got back on the field in 2006. He spent the entire season at Triple-A Ottawa (except for a one-day call-up in April by the Orioles) last season. There, he started the year batting .162 in 12 games before missing a month with a strained right oblique muscle. However, after returning in late May, he batted .273 in his final 87 games.
Still, that wasn?t enough to convince the Orioles that he needed a little more seasoning before getting another shot in the majors, which is why Majewski started the year in Bowie.
“We wanted him to be in a position to get plenty of at-bats and regain his confidence at the same time,” Orioles director of minor league operations David Stockstill said. “I believe he will eventually regain that form we saw in 2004.”
Majewski said the last few years have been humbling and a learning experience at the same time.
“It was hard when I had to go back to square one and figure out what I needed to work on,” Majewski said. “Hopefully I?m over everything as far as the injury is concerned. Last year may have been a recovery year, but I still wanted to perform. Right now, I realize I?m still playing baseball and if I do well here everything will take care of itself and people will take notice.”
The Majewski file
» Age: 25
» Height/weight: 6-foot-2, 222 pounds
» Hometown: New Brunswick, N.J.
» Position: Outfield
» How acquired? Third round in the 2002 draft out of Rutgers
» Did you know? Majewski earned the Brooks Robinson Award as the Orioles minor league player of the year in 2004 after batting .307 with 15 homers and 80 RBI with Double-A Bowie
