OK, I admit it, that was a weak play on words (or name) for an article about recently called-up Dodgers outfielder James Outman, but the simple truth is that it fits the 25-year-old Redwood City, CA native and Dodgers seventh-round draft pick in 2018 out of California State University Sacramento to a T.

After going 3-for-4 with a home run, a single, a double, three RBI, and two runs scored in his Major League debut on Sunday afternoon against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field, Outman went 2-for-2 with a single, a hit-by-pitch, a walk, a double, and two runs scored on Monday night against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park, to improve his already ridiculous slash line to an even more ridiculous .833 / .875/ 1.667 / 2.542 that now includes one home run, two doubles, two singles, one walk, one hit-by-pitch, three RBI, and four runs scored … in his first two Major League games and first eight Major League plate appearance.

“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous,” Outman told SportsNet LA’S Kirsten Watson about playing his first game in the stadium that he often went to growing up in nearby Redwood City, CA. “Like, it took me about four innings to settle in. Like, just playing catch before the inning I was like ‘Ok, I just need to relax, and I was struggling doing it, so I’m sorry, Bellinger.’ But, yeah, it was awesome.

“I was kind of looking… checking out the place before we started or did anything like that, just kind of like ‘Wow, I’m kind of on the field level now,’ so it’s pretty crazy,” he added.

“That’s a pretty good start to a big league career,” six-time All-Star, three-time Silver Slugger, Gold Glover, former National League MVP, former World Series champion, and now Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman said of Outman after Monday night’s 8-2 win over The Hated Ones. “My first day in the big leagues I’m just trying not to throw-up, and this guy’s getting three hits, a homer, and doing some special things out there. It’s just a really nice start and it’s helping us win ballgames.”

“He just continues to take good at-bats,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts echoed of Outman postgame. “First-pitch change-up he shot the other way, and he takes his walks when he needs to. He got lucky on that last one, legged it into a double.

“It’s pretty rare to see and good to see a young player just be able to not let the emotions get to you, and speed the game up,” added Roberts.

It goes without saying that at some point, Outman is going to hit a bump in the road. But until he does, we are blessed to be witnessing Dodgers – and baseball – history unfolding before our very eyes:

Play Ball!

  *  *  *  *  *  *