It was a dream come true for Austin Meadows.
The 23-year-old rookie received word on May 17 that he was being called up from Triple-A Indianapolis to the Pittsburgh Pirates.
“It was a surreal moment,” Meadows told a group of reporters. “I’m just going to take it all in and enjoy this day. It’s definitely something I’ll never forget.”
Last night was a dream come true. Thank you @Pirates for the opportunity of a lifetime. All the glory to God!!! pic.twitter.com/t0QdlrAkW7
— Austin Meadows (@austin_meadows) May 19, 2018
Meadows was selected in the first round of the 2013 MLB Amateur Draft by the Pirates (ninth overall) as an 18-year-old high school prospect. After working his way through the minor leagues and overcoming multiple injuries, Meadows finally got his shot when he was inserted into the starting lineup on May 18 against the San Diego Padres.
His first hit came in his first game, in the bottom of the fourth inning, a single off of Tyson Ross. His first home run came two days later against Padres pitcher Jordan Lyles, a two-run shot.
And Meadows hasn’t stopped hitting since.
In his first 15 games (through June 3), Meadows has RAKED. He’s hitting .392 with five home runs and eight RBI. He’s got 20 hits in 51 at-bats, with 10 runs scored and three stolen bases. Despite only playing the final two weeks in May, he was so good that he earned National League Rookie of the Month honors.
Pirates fans have to be ecstatic over what they’ve seen thus far from their prized rookie.
Meadows is a native of Atlanta. He comes from a sports family, in which his mother, Staci, played softball for Georgia Southern University and his father, Kenny, played baseball and football at Morehead State University.
Meadows is a follower of Jesus Christ and will often share scripture posts to his Twitter page.
“Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12
— Austin Meadows (@austin_meadows) May 2, 2018
“And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2
— Austin Meadows (@austin_meadows) March 11, 2018
His Twitter bio says, “Child of God, Seek, Surrender, Serve.”
That motto of “Seek, Surrender, Serve” was featured in our 2018 Football Sunday video that debuted in churches on Super Bowl Sunday.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQsx8lrPms4
Meadows and the Pirates return back home to Pittsburgh on Tuesday for a three-game series against the Dodgers.
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