What does Max Scherzer remember about playing with the Fort Worth Cats?
New Texas Rangers pitcher Max Scherzer is no stranger to the Metroplex as he pitched briefly with the now-defunct Fort Worth Cats in 2007.
On Tuesday, during his introductory press conference with new Rangers Jordan Montgomery and Chris Stratton at Globe Life Field, Scherzer recalled his time with the Cats.
“Hit the Way Back machine,” Scherzer joked, “I was a Fort Worth Cat back there in 2007 that was an interesting time.”
Scherzer played for the second iteration of the For Worth Cats, which shuttered in 2014 after playing in several independent baseball leagues.
Scherzer’s time with the Cats came amid a contract dispute with the Arizona Diamondbacks, who drafted him 11th overall in the 2006 MLB Draft.
“That whole process was a wake-up to the business side of the ball game. It’s not just about playing baseball, there’s a whole business component to this and these teams will absolutely try to use your love for baseball to try and get their way,” said Scherzer.
The Diamondbacks offered Scherzer about half of his desired salary due to an arm injury suffered the previous year.
Scherzer refused to sign and held out that and the following Spring decided to play for the Fort Worth Cats to showcase his value before MLB guidelines would force him to either re-enter the draft or sign with the Diamondbacks.
“The Diamondbacks thought I was hurt,” said Scherzer, “I had to go out there and pitch and show that I wasn’t hurt.”
Scherzer drew a multitude of scouts and MLB personnel to watch him pitch at LaGrave Field. During his stint, Scherzer went 1-0 with an 0.56 ERA, and finished with 25 strikeouts in 16 innings.
After his dominating performance in Fort Worth, the Diamondbacks signed him right before the May 30 deadline to a four-year $4.3 million contract.
“That was a wake-up call to understand you gotta take care of business first before you get to play baseball, that was a painful process but a necessary process, I’m glad they got rid of that rule,” said Scherzer.
Scherzer proved that he was worth that contract and more becoming one of the MLB’s most dominant pitchers over his 16-year career.
Over his career, Scherzer has won three Cy Young Awards, eight all-star selections and won the 2019 World Series as a member of the Washington Nationals.
Scherzer said he had good memories of his brief stint in Fort Worth.
“First taste of pro ball, me playing in Fort Worth and getting a feel for that, I remember my time fondly here,” said Scherzer.
