Sam Narron called up by Rangers

By News-Argus Staff
Published in Sports on July 29, 2004 1:55 PM

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Former Eastern Wayne and East Carolina pitcher Sam Narron will fulfill a dream and take a key role in a major league baseball game Friday night.

Narron, a 15th round pick of the Texas Rangers in 2002, was called up to the Rangers' club from AAA Oklahoma on Thursday and is expected to be the Rangers' starting pitcher Friday when Texas hosts the Oakland Athletics.

Narron's father, Richard "Rooster" Narron, called the News-Argus Thursday night and said his son had called him at 6:30 p.m. to let him know he had gotten the call from Arlington.

Narron said Sam is " 99 percent sure he will pitch Friday night against Oakland," he said. "He may start Sunday instead."

"Sam has been a winning pitcher for our organization," Rangers manager Buck Showalter said. "He deserves an opportunity."

Narron's last AAA start was Monday for the RedHawks, going just two innings. He was pulled from the game in anticipation of being called up to Texas.

Narron, a left-hander, is 12-1 this season in starts with Oklahoma and AA Frisco. He spent most of last season with the Class A Stockton (Calif.) Ports.

"Hopefully everything will go well," said Rooster Narron. "He's getting his opportunity ... hopefully he can get out there ... either you do it or you don't. Hopefully, he'll do it."

Narron said he would be flying to Arlington on Friday morning to see his son's major league debut.