Milwaukee Athletics PHILADELPHIA, Penn. (CBS 58) -- Brian Keller had quite the path to reach the big leagues.
The Germantown native finally reached the ultimate destination on Saturday, July 25.
"I'm just taking it one day at a time, like enjoying every second of it. And like, it's a blessing and it's amazing. And I'm just, I'm really enjoying it," said Keller.
After eight games with the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs, Keller received the call to the majors to join the Philadelphia Phillies to take on the New York Yankees.
"First I called my wife, let her know. Then I called my parents and it was just like all the logistics of trying to get everybody out," said Keller. "Everybody wanted to come visit -- family, friends. At the same time, I'm figuring out my travel. It was a bit of a whirlwind there but had a lot of support that a lot of friends, family come out to see me and pretty cool."
Ultimately, Keller had 20 members of his family and friends to watch his debut.
He came on in relief in the third inning and struck out the first batter he faced, Jazz Chisholm Jr.
"Starting on a high note was just -- it's just cool to see like, my stuff does perform against even the best of hitters," said Keller.
Keller pitched three innings, allowing two hits, a solo home run, and struck out three in a no decision.
"The fact that I was able to like stay calm, you know, keep my mind clear, be able to analyze the game, analyze the at bats and make like, good decisions in real time. Kind of like prove to myself that I think I belong here. And I'm going to take that into the next one and hopefully build on it, get better at some stuff and just keep going," said Keller. "My biggest goal was be myself out there and stay calm, have fun and enjoy it."
Keller was originally drafted in 2016 by the New York Yankees in the 39th round. He eventually reached their Triple-A affiliate in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre before landing with the Boston Red Sox Triple-A team in Worcester in 2022.
Keller went to pitch in Japan in 2023 before needing Tommy John surgery. He then needed a nerve transposition in 2024, followed by a stem cell treatment and Platelet-Rich Plasma injection to help him find his way to be able to pitch again.
He's come a long way from the pitcher that threw 239 strikeouts in four seasons in Milwaukee from 2013-16.
"I guess the way I think about it is all I needed was a chance. And that's kind of been like the story of my career. I kind of barely snuck into a D1 college, barely snuck into the draft, just kept like, just kept climbing the ranks. And yeah, just like, waiting for somebody to give me a chance to show it in the big leagues, and here we are," said Keller.
Keller is ready for whatever role the Phillies need from him and awaits his next chance.
He is the third Milwaukee Panther to reach the majors after Daulton Varsho of the Toronto Blue Jays and AJ Blubaugh, who is with the Houston Astros.
