Aug. 30, 2009

PHOENIX-- Stanford's John Hester became the 82nd former Cardinal to play in the Major Leagues, homering in his first at-bat on Friday for the Diamondbacks, before getting two hits in his first start on Sunday.

Hester, a 13th round pick of the Diamondbacks in 2006, has slowly risen through the Arizona system, batting .328 with 66 RBIs over 92 games at Triple-A Reno this season.

But not many could expect a debut like this.

Just four hours after getting the call in Las Vegas of all places, to play for fellow Cardinal alum and Diamondbacks Manager A.J. Hinch, Hester hit a pinch-hit homer with two outs in the sixth on a 2-2 pitch from the Astros Wilton Lopez. Adding to the at-bat was the fact that all Hester had time for prior to game time was taking swings in the indoor cages, making the at-bat in the sixth, his first swings in the Chase Field batters box.

According to MLB.com, “When Hester detonated his swing, Hinch turned in the dugout to coach Chip Hale and said, "That's Stanford power at its finest.”

Two days later, in his first career start, catching All Star Dan Haren, he singled and scored the D-Backs first run and drove in their third with a double to center.

Hester is the 11th former Cardinal in the Majors this season, joining: Eric Bruntlett (Phillies), Chris Carter (Red Sox), Sam Fuld (Cubs), Ryan Garko (Indians/Giants), Jody Gerut (Padres), Mike Gosling (Indians), Jeremy Guthrie (Orioles), Jed Lowrie (Red Sox), John Mayberry, Jr. (Phillies) and Carlos Quentin (White Sox).

Hester hit .270 over a 138-game Stanford career, hitting .282 as a junior in 2005. He hit .285 over four minor league seasons.

WATCH THE HOME RUN HERE