A Reflective Turning Point in Alex Call’s Career
At the conclusion of the 2019 minor league season, Alex Call took a hard look at his performance stats, followed by a moment of self-reflection.
Facing the Stats
As a 24-year-old outfielder in the Cleveland Guardians organization, Call’s 2019 season was troubling. With 325 plate appearances while playing for the Akron RubberDucks, he struck out nearly 30% of the time, totaling 93 strikeouts. His season numbers revealed further issues, including a .205 batting average and a .266 on-base percentage, which indicated significant flaws in his hitting technique.
A Transformation Over Six Years
Fast forward six years, and Call joined the Dodgers last week as a trade deadline acquisition, now recognized for his impressive skills. Since the start of the previous season, Call’s .297 batting average ranks eighth among MLB players with over 350 plate appearances. Moreover, his improved strikeout and walk rates have made him a formidable hitter.
Dodgers’ Confidence in Call
General Manager Brandon Gomes emphasized Call’s grit and work ethic post-acquisition, while future Hall of Famer Clayton Kershaw noted Call’s impressive defensive skills, making him a valuable addition.
COVID-19 as an Opportunity for Growth
Call’s commitment to enhancing his game peaked during the COVID-19 pandemic when he took the initiative to purchase a portable hitting machine, allowing him to focus on improving his batting. His goal was clear: refining his swing and becoming adaptable in any game situation.
Advanced Training and Development
By 2021, Call invested in virtual reality hitting goggles, which enhanced his hitting technique significantly. He combined this with extensive practice and a refined strategy, leading to a significant turnaround in his performance, including a promotion to Triple-A and eventually the majors.
Aiming for Impact
Now, battling for his space on a competitive Dodgers team, Call aims to transform into a key player who contributes to the franchise’s aspirations of clinching another World Series title. Confident in his capacity to contribute, he states, “I always knew I could be an established major leaguer; sometimes it just takes patience and continuous improvement.”
