MUNCIE, Ind. — Justin O’Conner was so excited Monday night that he couldn’t sleep. The former Cowan star phoned his parents, Randy and Kim, in the wee hours to tell them the news: He was one step away from the big leagues.
And instead of waiting until the morning to drive from Montgomery, the Double-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays, to Durham (Triple-A), O’Conner made the eight-hour trip that night.
“He was too excited to sleep,” Kim said. “We couldn’t sleep either. It’s just really exciting.”
Added Randy, “It’s been a long time coming.”
This is O’Conner’s first trip to Triple-A, and it puts him one step away from becoming what is believed to be the fifth player ever from Delaware County to reach the major leagues (former Wapahani star Jeremy Hazelbaker made it last season after seven minor-league seasons).