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MLB pitcher Grant Wolfram aims to be comfortable, but not too comfortable
- Story byThe Holland Sentinel
- MLB pitcher Grant Wolfram aims to be comfortable, but not too comfortable
Grant Wolfram was never able to get comfortable on the mound last year.
After all, he was traded from Milwaukee to Baltimore , made his major league debut, then was sent down again - only to be called up again for the rest of the season.
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It was incredibly exciting, but very stressful - especially being a first-time father and balancing being a dad and a pitcher.
By the time Wolfram found his groove, the season was over.
Now, the former Hamilton all-state pitcher is looking for a more comfortable situation in Baltimore this season - but not too comfortable.
"It was just a great feeling to make the majors, but it is really hard to feel comfortable - and you don't want to feel comfortable. You are trying to earn your keep. You don't want to get complacent," Wolfram said. "You could have 10 good outings, then 10 bad outings. You just have to be thankful and go day by day and try to stay even-keeled."
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More: Hamilton's Grant Wolfram earns first major league win on the mound
Wolfram had plenty of moments at both extremes last year.
He made his major league debut for the Orioles, fittingly at Comerica Park in Detroit , against the Tigers. He pitched back-to-back days in Detroit, then was sent down.
Later, back with the Orioles, he was masterful at times.
On July 10 against the Mets , he came in for two innings of relief and pitched two scoreless innings to earn his first big-league win. He struck out four and allowed just one hit with no walks.
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During that game, he faced three of the best players in the game. He got shortstop Francisco Lindor to ground out, then struck out outfielder Juan Soto and first baseman Pete Alonso - all perennial all-stars.
Baltimore Orioles pitcher Grant Wolfram poses for a picture on the field with his son.
"When I threw against the Mets, it was one of those games where everything was clicking. That was electric feeling. In the moment, I was feeling really good and feeling like I made it," Wolfram said. "Walking into the big league stadiums every day is what you dream of. It was my dream ever since I was a little kid. You definitely get that feeling in the big leagues. That is what makes it special."
So special that it makes the stress worth it.
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Wolfram is used to the stress on the mound, and even not being with the same club all season after a few years in the minors. But it is the extra stuff - especially with a family - that changed things last year.
"The hardest part is not knowing how long you are going to be places," he said. "Should I take all of this? I didn't have a vehicle, I had three shirts for a couple weeks. You can get called up any time when you are on the road in Triple-A and you might not go back down to where you were staying - where all your stuff is."
For Wolfram, that finally became somewhat regular in the second half of the season and Wolfram got to pitch in his home state, at Fenway Park, Wrigley Field.
"Wrigley Field was my favorite (road game after my debut)." he said. "I had a lot of family there, I got the win and the place is just so historic. I love where it is in Wrigleyville and the nostalgia of the place. Boston was great. Every stadium is really cool in its own way, but I really enjoy the old parks. I feel a part of it. I was there for the Cal Ripken anniversary celebration of him breaking the record. If there is anything Orioles, that is the No. 1 thing. That was cool to listen to everyone talk about what he meant to the city."
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Wolfram is looking to bet another round at some of the parks all over the country and is working hard to try and solidify his spot on the roster after Spring Training.
"They added a sweeper for me (bigger slider). I worked on it in July and didn't throw it in a game until September. I am getting more confident with it. I think two different sliders will help me a lot. I threw my two-seamer a lot and my curveball," he said. "The biggest difference in a major-league bullpen is you are on the edge of your seat a little bit more, especially with the role I am in currently. I am not a back-end reliever right now. So realistically, I have to be ready from the first pitch on. We had a guy get hit by a ball and I was literally going to the bathroom and they called for me. You just have to be ready."
Wolfram is ready to make this a habit, and after last season, he has proved that he is ready for that next step.
Contact sports editor Dan D'Addona at Dan.D'Addona@hollandsentinel.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter @DanDAddona or Facebook @HollandSentinelSport s.
This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Baltimore Orioles pitcher Grant Wolfram aims for strong second season
