Working in Seattle’s high-rises every day installing ceilings, Cam Booser would get some of the best views of the city money could buy. Often, he would find himself gazing over T-Mobile Park, where the Seattle Mariners play, and imagine himself pitching at the highest level. Booser had left the game in 2017 and picked up a new career in construction, thinking his playing days were over. Little did he know, just seven years later, he would be back pitching for one of the most storied franchises in baseball.

Who is Cam Booser?

Booser grew up in Fife, Washington, a small town just outside of Tacoma. It was at Fife High School where his injury woes would first begin, breaking his femur as a sophomore and a vertebrae as a senior. When healthy, Booser proved he could play, winning MVP of his league in 2009.

After graduating, Booser earned a scholarship to pitch at Oregon State University but would only pitch 11 innings due to a UCL tear and Tommy John surgery.

After recovering from the injury, he would be signed by the Minnesota Twins organization. He pitched well in limited appearances with the Twins, striking out 64 batters in just over 46 innings. However, the injury bug would bite him again, leaving him with a torn labrum and a broken back after getting struck by a car.

Getting Back into the Swing of Things

In 2017, everything came to a head when he was suspended for 50 games due to marijuana use. It was at this time he decided to step away from the game.

“When I walked away from the game, it was partially due to injuries and mental stuff I was going through,” Booser told MLB.com. “The injuries piled up and led me to abuse a little bit of alcohol. That led to me not really knowing myself after a couple of years.”

Booser would receive help from his friends and family to get back on his feet. Soon after retiring, he began to coach at a friend’s training facility, and that’s when he started to believe he could play again. He still had elite-level speed, throwing the ball in the mid-90s. So, he decided to give it one last shot!

Booser would start throwing for independent league teams in 2021. Two years later, the left-hander would land a contract with the Worcester Red Sox, a Double-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox.

The Call Up

On April 19, 2024, Booser made his first MLB appearance against the Pittsburgh Pirates. When he came in from the bullpen in the 9th inning, he made history as the oldest player to make his Major League debut since 1947.

In an interview with MLB.com after his debut, Booser reflected on his journey to the big leagues. “It was definitely a wild ride, and I wouldn’t have it any other way,” he explained. He said that the injuries and setbacks he faced made him more grateful than he would have been if he had made his debut when he was younger. Booser also had a message to anyone who is struggling to reach a goal in life.

“If you have a dream, man, don’t give up and if you need help, ask for it. If you have a friend, talk to him. If you love something, pursue it. You only have one shot at this life, so surround yourself with people that support you in and out, dark days, good days, they are there no matter what. Find something that you find near and dear to your heart and don’t ever quit.”

That’s it for this post. If you like what you read, you can follow us on Instagram and Facebook using the buttons above. If you would like to help us create more inspiring content, please donate to Greater Than The Game using the button at the bottom of the site. Your tax-deductible donation will go toward creating more inspiring and uplifting content.