Steve Webb
LOS ANGELES, CA — Dodgers catcher Hunter Feduccia made his first Major League start one to remember, catching a stellar game and notching his first big league hit in a tight contest against the Tampa Bay Rays. Although it wasn’t technically his debut, Feduccia described the experience as feeling like his first real taste of the big leagues. “Yeah, 100%,” he said. “Going out there, first pitch, taking in the whole atmosphere of it, it was a dream come true for sure.”
Feduccia’s first start came with added excitement as he got to work with pitcher Gavin Stone, a familiar face from their time in the minors. The comfort and chemistry between them were evident, as Stone delivered a strong performance, largely due to the game plan they executed together. “Going into it, we had a good game plan,” Feduccia explained. “Sinker was working well, just the back-and-forth game with sinker, slider, and mixing in the changeup. He threw a hell of a game, so it was easy to catch. He kind of led the way most of the way, so he made it easy for me for sure.”
Reflecting on Stone’s development as a pitcher, Feduccia noted some key improvements that have elevated his game. “I think the sinker is a big part of his game now,” he observed. “Working on his slider, I think his slider got a little better. Adding two pitches helps your game; you can mix and match a little bit more. I think that’s what was working for him today.”
The highlight of Feduccia’s day came when he stepped up to the plate and delivered his first big league hit, a single that ignited emotions both on the field and in the stands. “It was awesome,” Feduccia said about his hit. “Going into it, I thought I was facing Shane [Baz], but then got to the field and heard it was a lefty [pitching]. I was getting ready for Shane and then heard that news. So it was good, you know, settled in for that at-bat, got a walk, and after that, settled in, and it was good.”
Feduccia’s family was there to witness his special day, adding to the emotional weight of the moment. “My mom, I’m sure they got her on camera, she was trying to keep it together the whole game,” he said, smiling. “Girlfriend, I’m sure everyone was emotional, but I’m glad they made it. It was an awesome day for sure.”
As for what he plans to do with the ball from his first hit, Feduccia has already thought about it. “I’ll probably give it to my dad, see if he wants to hang it up, but once I get a house, probably hang it up on my wall and cherish it forever.”
It was a memorable day for Hunter Feduccia, who not only contributed to a crucial Dodgers win but also etched his name into the record books with his first hit. The future looks bright for the young catcher as he continues to adjust to life in the big leagues.
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