ARLINGTON, Texas >> It took Kean Wong 526 games and seven seasons in the minor leagues before he finally learned he was heading to the majors.
Wong, 24, a Hilo native, received that call Sept. 4. The following night, he went 0-for-2 in his big league debut against Toronto.
Thus far, the younger brother of Cardinals second baseman Kolten Wong has logged four games with Tampa Bay, appearing as a pinch hitter, second baseman and left fielder.
“Yeah, (it’s been) everything (I thought it would be) and more,” Wong said during a road trip to Texas. “This is what I dreamed of since I was a little kid, and for it to come true with a team that’s contending, it’s all I can ask for. Just here to help.”
In Monday’s series opener against the Rangers, he was one of two Hawaii natives in the starting lineup. Honolulu’s Isiah Kiner-Falefa, now in his second big league season with Texas, was the Rangers’ DH, batting seventh.
And the significance of seeing a fellow Hawaii product on the same diamond, someone who spent five seasons in the minors before getting summoned to the show, wasn’t lost on Wong.
“Yeah, for sure. It’s awesome to see people from Hawaii fulfill their dreams. I’m happy for them and I’m pretty sure they’re happy for me as well,” he said.
However, he’s approaching waiting so long before making his debut with a glass-half-full mentality, seeing the extra time in the minors as invaluable because it allowed him to hone any rough edges in his game.
In the minors, Wong played predominantly second and third base but also dabbled in the outfield. He’s already played left field twice for the Rays, versatility that has been a boon for fifth-year Tampa Bay manager Kevin Cash.
“He works, has good at-bats. He can beat you with the bunt, put the ball in play,” Cash said. “We know he can play good defense. He’s helped us. The versatility’s coming in huge. I don’t think when we called him up we had too much intention of having him play the outfield. It’s nice to have him and the quality at-bats that he’s given.”
Since getting promoted, Wong has had plenty of familiar faces in the stands cheering him on. His father saw his debut against the Blue Jays. His girlfriend was with him in Texas and was joined by Kolten’s wife in the middle game of the series.
Unfortunately, the Rays do not play the Cardinals in September, so playing Kolten in a big league setting will have to wait at least for now but is a possibility Kean eagerly looks forward to experiencing.
“It’s going to be awesome,” Wong said. “I’m pretty sure my dad’s going to be there rooting us on. That’s what we dreamed of since we were little kids. We always wanted to play against each other in the big show. I can’t wait for that.”
Tampa Bay occupies a wild-card spot in the American League, meaning Wong has a very realistic chance of experiencing postseason baseball as a rookie, which of course would be a huge thrill.
“For sure, the shot (to reach the playoffs is what it’s all about) and to help this team win and get to the postseason,” he said. “Hopefully they can pull it off and win the World Series. That’d be awesome.”
Tampa is a pretty young team, so rookie rites of passage, a way of paying dues and amusing their new teammates, aren’t prevalent. However, Wong will sing “Love Me” by Hawaiian artist Fia, on the team bus during their final road trip of the regular season, Sept. 27-29 to Toronto.
But it’s not a performance he’s dreading.
“I know there’s a dress-up (too),” he said. “I’m waiting for that. It should be fun. I love that song. That’s about it (for my rookie rites). Yeah, that’s not that bad at all.”
