When Alex Wood texted Dave Roberts to give him the scoop on the newest Dodger, he specifically told him he was clutch.
Kyle Farmer proved to be just that.
In his first major league at bat, Farmer came up with runners on first and second and the Dodgers trailing by one run in the 11th inning. He quickly fell behind in an 0-2 count.
“I was more nervous when he stepped in the box for his first (at bat) than I was for my own debut,” Wood said. “I mean, I was super nervous. And when he went down 0-2, I was like, ‘aw dang, this does not look good.”’
Farmer fought back into a full count before sending an outside pitch down the right-field line for a walk-off double to open his MLB career.
The first player out of the dugout to celebrate with Farmer, was, unsurprisingly, Wood. Former teammates and roommates at the University of Georgia, Farmer and Wood have remained best friends as Farmer has worked his way up through the Dodgers’ farm system.
Wood called Farmer’s walk-off one of the coolest moments he’s ever gotten to witness.
“Kyle is one of my best friends,” Wood said. “He’s in my wedding in the fall, his fiancée is a bridesmaid for my fiancée. I’m ecstatic for him.”
Now a catcher, Farmer’s career took a major turn after he was drafted by Los Angeles in the eighth round of the 2013 MLB Draft. Farmer put together four impressive years at UGA, finishing with the highest career fielding percentage of any shortstop in program history and placing in the top 10 in games played, hits, at bats, total bases, doubles and RBIs.
A Dodgers scout let Farmer know what their plan for him was.
“In 2013, Lon Joyce came up to me and was like, ‘we’re gonna draft you as a catcher,”’ Farmer said. “And so, I went and did that. The first game was pretty brutal for me, but I enjoyed it. In 2015, they let me play some third base, so I was happy to do that.”
That’s been Farmer’s biggest asset in getting called up to the Dodgers — versatility. As a catcher who can play anywhere in the infield, Farmer brings flexibility to a roster that few other players can. With the emergence of Austin Barnes as a strong hitter and late-game pinch-hit option, Roberts can now comfortably use him knowing Farmer is still available behind the plate.
“I think that’s why I’m here,” Farmer said about his versatility. “I can come off the bench and play different positions … first, second, third or catch, so it just offers versatility and lets me get playing time. It got me here, so I’m very thankful for that.”
It wasn’t always easy for Farmer at catcher. Before moving there after he was drafted, he had never played the position. Regardless, the Dodgers threw him back there right away.
“Yeah, the first day,” said Farmer when asked if he had any doubts about catcher. “I was blocking. I woke up the next morning with bruises all over me and I didn’t know if I could do it. It was pretty tough.”
Wood said their college coach, David Perno, used to joke with him saying, “you’re gonna be a catcher, baby,” But the slick fielding Farmer never took to it. He lacked some of the range that scouts want from the position, though, and Wood said Farmer eventually realized his chance was going to come at catcher.
Josh Fields joins Wood and Farmer as UGA players currently with the Dodgers. The only other Bulldog currently in the league is the Cubs’ Justin Grimm.
Farmer has loved reuniting with his friend in Los Angeles.
“It’s awesome,” Farmer said about playing with Wood again. “Roommates in college, roommates in the offseason and now roommates up here, so it’s a good, special moment.”
For Farmer’s first road trip, he was lucky enough to head back home to Atlanta. Born and raised in Atlanta and attending Marist, he’s had plenty of family and friends come out to watch him play his favorite childhood team.
“There was about 100 people here (Tuesday), so it was kind of overwhelming,” Farmer said. “But it was fun for them to come out and see me. Guys from little league, coaches from little league. My Marist high school coach Mike Strickland was here, so it was awesome to experience that with them.”
Wood joked that Farmer could be the mayor of Buckhead with where he grew up and mentioned an interesting fact that further verifies the full-circle that he and his teammate now share this week at Sun Trust Park.
“We were just talking about earlier, when I was here in Atlanta, my first road trip was to L.A.,” Wood said. “And he’s a Dodger and his first road trip in the big leagues is to Atlanta. It’s kind of funny how things work, so I’m glad he could soak this in with all his friends and family, and hopefully he’ll get in here tonight or tomorrow so he can get a few hits in front of them.”
A Bulldog through and through, Farmer already is thinking about and preparing for the coming UGA football season. His hopes are high.
“They’re gonna be good,” Farmer said. “Jacob Eason, Nick Chubb, they’re gonna tear it up, I think. I’ve already got my TV set up for the fall, so I’m excited. I put all my faith in coach Kirby (Smart), that’s for sure. Smart idea.”
Until that starts, he’ll have to settle with being a part of the team with the best record in baseball. The Dodgers are 4-0 since he got called up, with his walk-off being a key in retaining their now nine-game winning streak heading into Wednesday’s game against Atlanta.
“It’s awesome,” Farmer said about being with the Dodgers. “This team is awesome, great people, great personnel. They welcomed me with open arms, and for me to help out the team that night, it’s just icing on the cake. I’m just honored to be here and just help out the team.”
