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OAKLAND
-- Damon Hollins can finally enjoy a meaningful
baseball homecoming. On Monday the 30-year-old
rookie outfielder was in the starting lineup in
front of family and friends for the first time in
his professional career.
Hollins, who joined the Devil Rays on May 2 and made
his debut with the team the same day, is with his
sixth professional organization since signing out of
nearby Vallejo High School in 1992. He still resides
in the area, and on Monday played in his 41st Major
League game.
"It's kind of my big homecoming because I was able
to prepare for it," said Hollins. "My family and
friends knew when I was going to be here before I
did. I didn't even know if I would be here."
Hollins has been a welcome addition to the Devil
Rays' lineup, and set a rookie record when he hit
his sixth home run of the season.
"He's done a real nice job," said manager Lou
Piniella. "I have respect for the fact he's endured.
He's somewhat of a survivor. He got his opportunity
here and has done a fine job."
Hollins remains a rookie despite making his Major
League debut in 1998. He's played in more than 1,300
Minor League games and stuck around because he never
lost faith in himself or his ability.
"I still love the game, and I want to keep getting
better," said Hollins, who brought a .333 average
into Monday's contest. "I've always known I was a
big-league player, and the work ethic has always
been there."
Which makes this week so special for Hollins. He
left nearly 35 tickets, mainly for family, for
Monday's game. He expects to leave as many, if not
more, when most of his high school buddies and their
families come to Wednesday's game.
"I get to see my grandmother and mom, and people I
never see this time of the year," he said. "The
friends I played with all have kids now and will be
bringing them all on Wednesday."
Hollins played in eight Major League games with the
Braves and Dodgers in 1998, then spent the next six
years in the Minors. He finally made it back for a
brief stay with the Braves last year, and flied out
to center field as a pinch-hitter at SBC Park in San
Francisco last April 28.
He didn't play a Major League game after May 8,
2004, until the Devil Rays came calling.
"When I signed here, I had hoped to come to camp and
leave a good impression," he said. "I think I was
pressing a little bit in Spring Training and didn't
show anything. I knew what was going on. I knew I
had to play hard just to get a shot."
Hollins turns 31 on June 12, and it's a safe bet
he'll still be in a Tampa Bay uniform then. He's
playing as if he doesn't want to go anywhere.
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