Pittsburgh Review

PITTSBURGH – Usually, when a veteran pitches in Independent ball, they pick up an idea or pitch that helps them get back to the Minors. Brady Feigl picked up a mantra. The lefty was in Lexington, Ky., pitching for the Lexington Legends (formerly known as the Counter Clocks) of the Atlantic League when his fellow reliever, Lincoln Henzman, shared some wisdom: “Baseball is the best job I’ll ever have.”

Feigl took it to heart and repeated it often while playing for the Pirates’ Triple-A affiliate in Indianapolis this year. Now, the best job he’ll ever have has a new chapter. The Pirates selected his contract Sunday, giving the 33-year-old his first callup to the Majors.

"It means everything,” Feigl said. “The blood, sweat, tears that I've gone through over the last 10 years that I've been in this case, it's nice to see it finally pay off."

Feigl’s professional baseball journey started as an undrafted free agent with the Braves, where he rose as high as Triple-A but never reached the Majors. He again reached Triple-A with the Rangers before being selected in the Minor League Rule 5 Draft by the Padres but never appeared in a game for an affiliate there due to the COVID-19 pandemic and a 2021 injury that sidelined him for the season.

That led him to Independent ball, where he spent time with the Long Island Ducks, Spire City Ghost Hounds, and Legends. Between his time there and pitching winter ball, the Pirates took note and signed him to a Minor League deal this January.

"I think just knowing that when I was with the Braves and Rangers, just knowing how close I was and just remembering how close I was and knowing I still have the ability to do it [helped me through that journey],” Feigl said.

While much of the focus around pitching at Indianapolis this year centered on top prospects like Paul Skenes, Bubba Chandler, and Thomas Harrington, Feigl quietly put together a quality campaign. Pitching in affiliated ball for the first time since 2019, Feigl recorded a 3.83 ERA with 62 strikeouts over 51 2/3 innings. His fastballs averaged over 93 mph and he gets good spin on both his slider and curveball, averaging about 2,500 RPM while also mixing in a changeup. It’s a repertoire that could potentially play as either a long guy or a lefty specialist.

Earlier this week, Feigl was tipped off by Cibney Bello, one of Indianapolis’ pitching coaches, that a promotion to the Majors could be on the radar. An opening appeared shortly after when Hunter Stratton suffered a rupture of his left patella tendon ending his season. He was placed on the 60-day injured list to open up a spot on the roster for Feigl.

On Saturday, Indianapolis manager Miguel Pérez asked Feigl to tell the squad there would be a team meeting. Feigl was suspicious since those are rare but Pérez said he wanted to address the game with the group.

That was obviously a bluff. The skipper wanted to make sure everyone was there to celebrate Feigl’s promotion.

"It definitely got me even if you kind of have an inkling of it,” Feigl said. “I'm just happy to be here."

It took over a decade but Sunday at PNC Park is going to be special for Feigl—the day he can call himself a Major League player.

“That's cool about baseball; there's no direct path,” Feigl said. “Everyone has their own different story. I'm just lucky to still be here."