Rangers prospect Keone Kela relishes first big-league spring training
A player never forgets his first big-league spring training. Typically, it’s his first taste of the show where he’s in the same room with established players.
For Double A pitcher Keone Kela, it’s a memory he’ll never forget.
“It’s just an amazing opportunity,” said Kela, who was invited to big-league camp along with Frisco teammates Alex “Chi-Chi” Gonzalez, Alec Asher and catcher Patrick Cantwell.
Kela and his young teammates are trying to soak in everything about their first major-league spring training. That includes watching how veteran players handle themselves in the clubhouse, on the field and working out.
“They make you feel really comfortable. They don’t make you feel like you’re a rookie,” he said. “Of course, there are the rules that you follow. You speak when you’re spoken to. Keep your eyes open and observe everything. It’s just been a really good experience.”
Kela is entering his fourth season, and the routine he’s established hasn’t changed in big-league camp. His routine has helped him remain focused while getting starry-eyed just like a fan when he’s sitting a few feet from Yu Darvish, Elvis Andrus or Adrian Beltre. That’s also why it’s good to have his Frisco buddies along for the experience.
“Yeah, it’s good to have individuals around you that are in the same boat as you,” he said. “You have somebody to speak to because I don’t feel like I can just go talk to AB [Adrian Beltre] or Colby [Lewis].”
He’s hoping his mom and two sisters, all in Seattle where he grew up, can make it out during spring break.
“Everyone is so busy, everyone is staying in their own lane and doing what they need to do to progress,” he said of his family. “But they haven’t been to spring training yet. This is my biggest year, so why not? See me on the big-league field with some of the big boys. It’s a memory to cherish forever, so I want them to come.”
Key stat
61Players expected in Rangers major-league spring training camp by the time position players report on Wednesday. It was 62 before Jurickson Profar’s surgery was announced for Monday. Of the 61 players, 21 are non-roster invitees.
Quotable
“He is the guy next door. Accolades aside, that’s who he is. It’s not like he’s walking around with a letter jacket that has HOF on it.” — Rangers pitching coach Mike Maddux on his brother Greg Maddux, who has been a special assistant the past three seasons
This story was originally published February 21, 2015 at 8:20 PM with the headline "Rangers prospect Keone Kela relishes first big-league spring training."