No scout needed! This fan got himself signed!
Speed pitch competitions aren’t known for being the best place to sign new baseball recruits. That didn’t stop one fan from blasting a 96mph fastball and getting himself a new job in the process.
It’s all but guaranteed that there will be fans boasting about their pitching speed anytime a speed pitch contest pops up. There aren’t many that end up delivering.
Nathan Patterson did a heck of a lot more than deliver when he stepped up for his turn at a Rockies’ speed pitch challenge.
Patterson starts off by throwing a few in the low 90’s as the crowd cheers him on. He kicks it up a notch after someone yells to hit 96 miles per hour.
He doesn’t disappoint as he hits 96mph multiple times.
His incredible speed quickly went viral in a video recorded by his brother, Christian.
Hard work and the internet pays off
The best part was yet to come for Patterson, however.
The video caught the eye of the Oakland A’s and they signed him within a few weeks of the video.
“Words cannot describe this feeling and I cannot thank everyone enough who has been part of this journey so far!,” he wrote. “This story is not over. It is not the beginning. I am writing the next chapters and excited for this journey! Time to focus even more, work even harder, and it all starts with your mindset. Go after your dreams and make them a reality!”
Patterson had reportedly been in contract with the A’s since February and was working toward a contract. He sealed the deal once the team saw his viral challenge.
The 23-year-old signed his contract on Thursday.
This shows how far working hard and never giving up on a dream can get someone.
