Shea Spitzbarth’s incredible journey from Molloy College to the majors
ROCKVILLE CENTRE, N.Y. — It was an emotional moment for Shea Spitzbarth when he made his MLB debut for the Pittsburgh Pirates on August 2. Spitzbarth termed this incredible milestone as ‘’impossible’’ looking back at the struggles he had to endure before finally getting his big break.
An alumnus of Molloy College, New York, Spitzbarth went undrafted in 2015 until the Dodgers took a chance on him. It was a struggle for the right-hander as he contemplated upon giving up many times in his career. He felt as if he was getting snubbed every time he got the chance for a Major league opportunity.
The Pirates were able to get Spitzbarth in the Rule 5 Draft after the Dodgers decided to release him last offseason. Spitzbarth was more than happy to join the Pirates, taking it as a new opportunity to play somewhere else that he is wanted.
The talented pitcher from Molloy college had turned down league invites to finish school. He went on to work as a fireman after being denied work by the Port Authority police. Spitzbarth also pitched in the Mid-Island’s men’s league in 2019. He thought about retiring from baseball before the Pirates rekindled his spirit for the sport once again.
Spitzbarth’s first stint in the Majors was short as the Pirates optioned him to Triple-A to clear space for Anthony Bands since his call-up was due to an injury. But one thing is clear, this was an incredible accomplishment for the pitcher that went undrafted in 2015.
His hard work and determination finally paid off.
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