Olt Goes 1 for 3 in First MLB Start

Technically, it was game 104 of the 2012 season for the Texas Rangers. An early August get-together against the AL West rival Angels. Nothing out of the ordinary for most of the players involved. The obvious exception: Ryan Dempster, just acquired from Chicago. Less obvious but more important for our purposes here: Michael Olt, the former UConn third basemen who made his Major League debut Thursday night where he collected his first Big League hit in his first Big League at-bat, a single off C.J. Wilson.

"It was something I'll never forget," Olt said according to ESPNDallas.com's Richard Durrett. "It was an unreal experience. I had some nerves going to the plate, but once I got in the box I forgot about all that and was able to get a good pitch to hit."

Olt's family got to enjoy the experience too. Details via Durrett:

Olt's parents sat on the front row in the owner's box, just a few seats down from Rangers CEO and Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan. They watched as Olt didn't waste any time getting his first big league hit, stroking a single to left on a second-pitch cutter from C.J. Wilson. He finished the game 1-for-3.

Olt, who was called up from Double-A Frisco where he led the league in home runs (28), slugging percentage (.579) and OPS (.977), sounded humbled by the opportunity.

"To be a part of this team is something really special," he said. "That's why I'm happy I'm still here. I'm going to learn so much being around these guys. Even today's game, I had a little inexperience at first base with a bunt play. They picked me up. To have that there and have a connection with a bunch of guys from spring training helps."

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