Boston Red Sox starter Tanner Houck has had an impressive season to this point, posting a 2.68 ERA (seventh in baseball) and a 1.05 WHIP (16th) while striking out 106 batters (tied for 23rd).
Considering where he was a few years ago, and even how he was being thought of before this season, Houck's selection to the All-Star team over the weekend is amazing.
The 28-year-old shared his reaction to the news while reflecting on his journey in baseball and what it's taken to get here.
“The biggest thing I take away from it all is hard work and perseverance through everything no matter how many times you get kicked down or how many times you get hit in the face," Houck said (via. MassLive). "You get back up and you keep going. It’s not the funnest way of doing things. It’s not the easiest way of doing things — to fail and get back up and fail again and continue to get back up. But it’s the right way of going about things. It’s putting in that work every day that matters and just getting that one percent each and every day. And trying to find the light at the end of the tunnel when you are struggling. But that kind of shows you what kind of man you are.”
Houck has been moved back and forth between the bullpen and rotation and dealt with a facial fracture last season after getting hit by a line drive.
Despite receiving the personal achievement, the man who's known for his stoic demeanor had to share his gratitude for the players and coaches he works with every day.
“Such an incredible coaching staff. Such an incredible group in that locker room," Houck said. "It makes showing up to the field every day a true honor. It’s guys like these two (Duran and Devers) next to me and everyone in that locker room that fires me up and gets me ready to go out there and pitch and wanting to leave it all out there on the field. I feel blessed and incredibly thankful for this moment.”