Schools

Long and Winding Road to the Majors

MICDS, Harvard Star Hoping For a Career With the Boston Red Sox

Matt Kramer’s 24-years-old. He prepped at MICDS and holds a biology degree from Harvard. His father, Robert is an orthopedic surgeon. So like his brother, Michael, 22, a computer program modeler, he’s supposed to be in graduate school somewhere, working on an MBA, medical school or some other post-graduate program.

Guess again.

This strapping 6-foot-3, 240 pound baseball player is hitching up the sanitaries and leggings for the Boston Red Sox. He just checked into the major league camp in Fort Myers, Fla. a couple days go. No Brooks Brothers suit for him. His suits are the white and grays of the home team.

Kramer, who’s taken a few hacks in historic Fenway Park in Boston has lived the life of a traveling salesman the past few years.

He caught in the minors for the Atlanta Braves before being released from the team in June, 2010.

Along the way, there’s been multiple stops in small town junctions, the likes of Sioux City and Waterloo, both in Iowa; Lowell, Mass., other tiny burgs in Florida and Texas.

One might say, Kramer is pulling a Rick Ankiel in reverse. After spending a lifetime behind the plate and first base (state runners-up MICDS in 2004), and  four years with the Crimson of Harvard), he’s taking his blazing fast ball and round house curve ball for a serious audition in the majors. The speed gun has clocked his fast ball at 95 MPH.

“I’ve gained almost 50 pounds since I was in high school. I am mentally prepared to try and catch on with the majors,” he said from Lowell, Mass before driving down to Florida for spring training. Check in date was March 4, and he planned to arrive a week earlier.

Kramer figures there’s be close to 100 players (at least 50 pitchers) vying for attention in the Sox camp. He hopes to be one of them.

“I have no regrets. I’m chasing my dream. I just want to keep learning and gain more experience." His family, who moved his senior year in high school from Creve Coeur to Frontenac includes Robert the surgeon; Judy, his mom; his brother Michael, Ph.d student at UC-San Diego and Lauren, 21, sophomore at the University of Pennsylvania. “I get it from them all the time. Both my brother and sister played on state championship teams at MICDS. I didn’t.”

He owes a lot to Major League scout Jarred Porter and Sox trainer Eric Cressey. “Jarred stuck with me. He saw what I could offer the Sox. He’s been working with me all winter long,” said the MICDS-Harvard grad. Cressey worked closely on his strength and conditioning.

He worked out with 40 other hopefuls at the same gym where Kevin Youkillis of the Sox trains.

Realistically, Kramer’s best hope is to be invited for extended rookie camp in Florida, followed by being shipped back to the Class A Red Sox farm club in Lowell.

Kramer points to others who’ve made the transition successfully.

“Jason Motte (Cardinals reliever) started out as a catcher. Harvard teammate Frank Hermann (’06) is pitching for the Cleveland Indians.

“The Red Sox believe I have the right talent. I’ve worked hard and I’ve been in the right place at the right time. They (Boston) own my rights for the next three years. They could release me anytime they want. I just hope I have the opportunity to be success.”

Kramer likes to read a lot. Baseball books that is. He reads lots of books about strength and conditioning. He has audio tapes on the subject for the long car rides.

Pete Jans, his former Rams coach is squarely in his corner. "Matt is a gentle, kind-hearted giving young man who is humble and extremely hard working."

Jans knew all about his talents. "I remember his senior year, with his strong accurate arm, he didn't allow a single stolen base from April 1 on."

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"He was a great communicator and he was one of the driving forces that led us to playing in the state championship game. As great a player Matt is, as a person, he's even better," said Jans.

A well-grounded Kramer is taking life in stride. This is a tough life. Minor league players don’t get paid much. I get help from my supportive family and host families and I do odd jobs.”

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All that could be cured overnight with a contract that includes being called up to the majors with the perennially contending Red Sox.


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