We can’t even imagine what it must feel like, as a ballplayer, to finally get the one phone call you’ve worked your entire life for – the “call-up” to the Major Leagues. Adrian Cardenas is the latest Iowa Cub to receive the call from the Cubs – and we couldn’t be happier. The son of Cuban immigrants, this adorable and honest-looking slugger is already stealing our hearts and has yet to take the field. Check out this entertaining video above of the joyful and slightly bashful Cardenas giving an interview in the dugout.
If you’ve ever seen the movie Bull Durham, then you know the drill and how call-ups work. If not, here’s what you need to know. 
Each MLB team has a 25-man active roster. When a player is demoted or injured, they are usually sent to the team’s Triple-A club to improve or heal physically. When one player is sent down – another comes up. The Iowa Cubs in Des Moines, Iowa are the Cub’s designated Triple-A team – it’s where the Cubs let prospective players incubate before they consider giving them a shot in the big leagues.
Cardenas was hitting a phenomenal .319 for the Iowa Cubs and is considered a utility player – meaning he can play multiple bases and will serve as a back-up infielder. As a first round draft pick at 21, Cardenas has been working his butt off and waiting patiently for his big moment, showing how long it can take to ‘make it’ in the big leagues and how frustrating the process can be. Blake DeWitt is the Cub that gets demoted to Triple-A to make room for Cardenas – this is called designated for assignment. Players can be called up and sent back down throughout the season.
Adrian Cardenas
This 24-year old cutie may come across as a little goofy – at least from the above video – but Cardenas is no dummy. Growing up in a artistic household in Miami, FL, Cardenas is currently enrolled at NYU as a creative writing major with a minor in philosophy. Did we mention we love deep-thinking athletic man with a knack for writing? Cassie Kolias, from the Inside Pitch, a local newspaper that covers the Orlando A’s – the Triple A club for the Oakland As – where Cardenas came from off waivers – takes a closer look at Cardenas and his road to Triple A HERE.
As much as we love an educated man, we hope Cardenas’ educational goals are sidetracked this summer to help drive some wins for the Cubs. We’ll definitely be paying close attention to this adorable newcomer with huge potential for the Cubs – and you should too.
