This is a story of what will hopefully be a triumphant return and a do-over for one young man with a dream.
In 2006, Brent Allar was drafted by the Orioles in the 14th round out of Texas Cristian University. Like most Oriole draftees, his first full year of pro ball (2007) included a stop in Delmarva playing for the Shorebirds. As a whole it wasn’t a terrific performance (no wins or losses, 3 saves in 20 appearances covering 20 innings and a 5.85 ERA) but most likely those numbers would have placed him back here for 2008.
Instead, last season was a lost season for the native Texan who turned 24 last month. He only made a total of seven appearances split between the Gulf Coast League Orioles and Aberdeen, pitching just 6 1/3 innings. In essence, beginning 2009 here should give Brent the opportunity to make up for lost time moving up the ladder – assuming he can remain healthy.
Especially as this is the time in baseball for new beginnings with a lot of hope, I thought Brent was the perfect candidate to begin my fourth season of selecting a Shorebird of the Week. I also would like to see this season be the inauguration of the Shorebird of the Week Hall of Fame as a prior selection makes it all the way to the Show.
So tonight in Lakewood the Shorebirds will begin their 14th season of South Atlantic League play in the quest for league title number three, and their first in 9 years. Hopefully Brent will help anchor the solid pitching staff required to give the Delmarva nine a real celebration come mid-September.
