After Being Passed On By Every Team, Derek Dietrich Continues To Show He Belongs

“Feel good” stories never fail to generate excitement and passionate supporters, following along and rooting for those behind them. Within the sporting world, these stories often spark inspiration within the audience, fueling that fire which burns so brightly within fans and athletes themselves. Just 55 games into this young season, these stories which give us so much to cheer about has already etched in a new chapter, coming in hot sporting the red and white out of south–western Ohio. Cincinnati Reds hot–hitting second basemen Derek Dietrich, who once spent most summers stuck buried within AAA roster for the Miami Marlins, now finds himself gracing highlight reels every night. Despite his career’s early struggle to get off the ground, Dietrich continues to paint an impressive picture illustrating a true “from nothing to something” journey with both his bat and glove.

The Reds signed Dietrich to a minor league deal this winter, which obviously now appears as perhaps their most advantages decision during the winter’s dark days. Perhaps adding to Dietrich’s determination to explode this spring, the now bargain of a lifetime and potential all–star player’s phone fell silent during the offseason, as he attracted zero attention around the league, as not a single team chose to sign Dietrich once Miami placed him on waivers. Once eventually earning a staring spot to the left of all–star Joey Votto after showing excellence during pinch–hit appearances and spring training games, the Cleveland native no longer feels the stress which comes alongside job insecurity.

Although Dietrich consistently shows he belongs, clubbing 17 home runs and 35 RBIs thus far during this season’s campaign, Dietrich dazzled fans with his best performance yet last night, as the player every MLB team neglected to sing hit three home runs during a game against the Pirates. Dietrich’s 12 home runs this month also ties a Reds record for most home runs hit during a calendar month over the last 20 years. The once “no–name” from Miami does his best work against the Pittsburgh in fact, as he’s whacked seven home runs off the Pirates pitching staff so far this season.

As expected, the Reds and Dietrich himself continue to enjoy the run he’s put together, as Dietrich continues to develop a vocal fan base and can be seen goofing around in the dugout from time to time, chatting up other players during each contest. Although the Reds find themselves scurrying for wins buried in the basement of a competitive NL Central, Dietrich continues to give fans a reason to cheer, and remains a shinning bright spot for the team. The Reds will likely look to add more bright spots such as Dietrich, and perhaps ride them back into playoff contention.

Article by Collin Helwig