Despite growing up in prime San Francisco Giants country, James Outman has had a terrific early career with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Through 15 games of his young MLB career, Outman is batting a robust .349/.491/.814. He has collected three triples and three home runs in 2023 alone, and one of those long balls came against his childhood hero, Madison Bumgarner.
Days after that surreal moment, Outman found himself facing the Giants at Oracle Park in what represented somewhat of a homecoming for the Redwood City, California native.
The 25-year-old had relatives in attendance and during an interview with Kirsten Watson on SportsNet LA, Outman said some of his friends have become Dodgers fans despite once rooting for the Giants:
“I think I’ve converted quite a few, to be honest. Their support is awesome. I’ve had a lot of friends, like the last time I was here, they just couldn’t bring themselves to put on some Dodgers stuff, but they were wearing blue. I’ll take it. That was cool to see.”
Outman spent his entire upbringing in Northern California. He went to high school in San Mateo and attended California State University, Sacramento, for college before being selected by the Dodgers in the 2018 MLB Draft. To have already converted any of his friends and family to supporting the Dodgers, or at least wearing blue, is an accomplishment all by itself.
Outman made an immediate impact during his homecoming by going 1-for-3 with a triple and walk. His walk in the seventh inning notably came against a left-handed relief pitcher and wound up leading to the Dodgers scoring five runs.
James Outman’s two triples against Rockies a rare feat
On April 3 against the Colorado Rockies, Outman collected two triples in the same game, making him the first Dodgers player to accomplish the feat since Yasiel Puig in 2014.
Outman enters play Tuesday leading the Majors with three triples this season.
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