Just days after former ASU standout Willie Bloomquist was called up by the Seattle Mariners, former Sun Devil Cody McKay joined him in the big leagues upon being summoned by the Oakland Athletics.
McKay, who played in Tempe from 1993-96, becomes the 77th player in school history to make it to the majors. He will join the likes of former Sun Devils Reggie Jackson, Barry Bonds and Odibee McDowell.
McKay is playing for the red-hot Athletics, who have won 23 of their last 24 games. Oakland is in the midst of a division race where most of its starters are honored with playing time.
The A's (91-52) hold a three-game lead over the Anaheim Angels in the American League West. They are seven games ahead of Seattle.
While playing for the Triple-A Sacramento River Cats, McKay hit .288 with 57 RBI in 108 games. He also led the team in home runs with 13.
McKay's appearance in the big leagues continues a tradition for his family, passed down from his father, Dave, who played for Oakland from 1980-82 and was a pitching coach under manager Tony LaRussa from 1984-1995. He coached the likes of Dave Stewart, Bob Welch and Dennis Eckersley.
McKay, 28, was originally selected by the A's in the ninth round of the 1996 Major League Baseball Draft. He has bounced around between Double-A and Triple-A since 1998, making appearances with the big club during Spring Training.
In four years at ASU, McKay batted .301 with 42 doubles, six triples, 17 home runs and 137 RBI while playing catcher, shortstop and third base. He scored 55 runs as a senior and hit a robust .335.
Reach the reporter at casey.pritchard@asu.edu.