Contemplating the Crawdads

(pictured, Mark Hamburger)

The minor leagues are full of fascinating stories, and Mark Hamburger's rates right up there. The Minnesota native pitched for Mesabi Range Community and Technical College where he went undrafted in 2007. Not giving up, Hamburger journeyed to the Metrodome to participate in the Twins open tryout. Of 110 participants, Mark was the only one inked to a deal at the age of 20.

Hamburger came to the Rangers' organization in a deadline deal with Minnesota last year that sent Eddie Guardado to the twins.

Last August Jamey Newberg wrote an excellent report on Hamburger. Rather than just rewording the article and claiming it as my own, I recommend you go check it out here.

Here is a video of Hamburger's perfect 9th from 4/30/09.