ATLANTA — When the call came Monday night, nine years after he was a first-round MLB Draft selection and long after many had written him off as a bust, Forrest Wall dropped to his knees and cried.
The Braves, his fourth organization, were bringing him to the majors Tuesday, the first call-up for the speedy outfielder.
“I was in my apartment,” said Wall, 27, who has lived in the Atlanta suburbs while playing for Triple-A Gwinnett this year. “It was late evening — my (Gwinnett) manager called me. My brother was there with me, which was really cool. He had no idea until I literally fell to my knees, in tears. He came over to me and gave me the biggest hug. I’ll never forget it.”
Wall immediately called his wife, Brianna, who by Tuesday afternoon was driving from their home in Orlando to Atlanta while Wall was doing his first interview in a major-league clubhouse. He called his parents, then called his high school coach, Kevin Davidson from Orangewood Christian in Orlando.
Wall’s brother, Rhodes, happened to be visiting when The Call came, the one that he and everyone else who knows Wall hoped he would eventually get but that at times seemed doubtful as the years passed.
Now, after 813 minor-league games, he’s in The Show. He’ll always have this experience. All the hard work, the minor-league bus rides, pre-dawn commercial flights, cramped apartments and budget hotels finally led to the place he dreamed about. For however long it lasts, Wall will relish it.
“Long time coming,” said Wall, who did not play Tuesday night but will provide depth while left fielder Eddie Rosario nurses a sore hamstring. “I’m just so thankful for the opportunity.”