By Reid Armstrong
It was around this time last year that Chris McGuiness was receiving call after call from family, friends and neighbors. They were all congratulating McGuiness on his six figure signing bonus to the Major League Baseball Association (MLB).
McGuiness was selected in the 13th round, back in 2009, to the Boston Red Sox. McGuiness showed great potential according to his scouting report. This lengthy report shouts out all of his accolades, while only reprimanding him with an average “power potential” mark.
When McGuiness received the news, he was expecting a few phone calls from some of his fellow Charleston friends, but the calls kept pouring in. McGuiness was well known throughout the Tri-County area, having played on several elite travel teams during his amateur years. Playing for The Citadel during his college years has attributed to his growing fan base.
His home was only lived five minutes from his college barrack, although The Citadel does not allow their students to leave when ever they please. Many would attribute his plate discipline to the three years he spent living and playing at The Citadel. The Citadel is known for its great baseball and disciplined players.
I asked him why he was known as being the patient player and he said, “All you can do is hurt your team by returning to the dugout, but even a walk can turn into a run.” McGuiness prides himself on being the right kind of patient while at bat. Patience must be a virtue for the Boston Red Sox.
McGuiness was called up to the “Class A” level team, for the Red Sox, during the last six games of its 2009 season, and was asked to return for the full 2010 season. When asked about going outside of his hometown to play he responded, “As long as there is a field for me to play baseball on, I’m there, and if they want to pay me to do it, then I’m all for that too.”
After about half a season the time came. The Charleston River Dogs were scheduled to play the Greenville Dive and McGuiness was back in Charleston. He did not come back for a monthly visit, but to play against his home town team.
With five games straight beginning on the 24th, McGuiness was going to be able to show his town what he had learned. Four straight wins for the Dive would allow many to believe that they will sweep the series during their stay.
McGuiness had a slow start to the series, but has turned up the heat for his fans in the past few games. With a few walks, several hits and a game winning sacrifice fly ball, the typical McGuiness was back.
Many of his fans were solely there to show him support, while others were there due to a heightened sense of rivalry between him and the River Dogs. Zach Volowsky says, “It’s Chris, who wouldn’t show up for at least one game. It’s not that often you get to say hey, I was friends with that guy out there on the field.” While Adam Gainer says, “Yeah yeah, I knew he was going to make it, now I would like to see the River Dogs whoop up on ole Chris.”
Weather his fans were there to support or pick sides, McGuiness had a wonderful feeling about the series. He said, “It’s simply good to be back home, and playing baseball at the same time. I just hope I don’t go 0-15 for the series.”
The game winning fly ball was surely enough to ensure a good trip home. I asked McGuiness how it felt to be responsible for the win on Thursday night and he replied, “Pure Greatness. No, really quality at-bats are all I was looking for and it just happens that I was able to bring home a win.”
McGuiness had some trouble with his fielding over the past few games, but was able to make five plate appearances in tonight’s final game against the River Dogs. He had two hits, one RBI and one double on the night.
Tonight’s statistics stacked in with the season placed McGuiness back into second place on the team’s batting average list. He also remained first on the team in home runs through the series.
McGuiness said, “No matter what after every series the team’s book keeper will sit down with every player and let them know what they need to work on for the upcoming series. Even though I am happy with my performance so far here in Charleston, I know he is going to have plenty for me to work on. Remember quality at bats are our motto.”
With all the added stress of playing at home again, on top of paying at the professional level, McGuiness has shown his fans that he is more than capable of excelling in baseball. Many of his fans are glad to see him doing well, and the rest are ready for the second home series against the Dive in late July.
The River Dogs are scheduled to play at Greenville July 21 through the 24, and then the series returns to Charleston on the 30 though Sept. 2, 2010. Its not that often you get to see a diamond in the clay, even if it is for just one game.
This could be the last season we will be able to see McGuiness play against the River Dogs. The next time may be against the Braves.
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