One year ago today, Cam Booser became the main character in one of the most incredible stories in Major League Baseball history. The story was so amazing that Netflix turned it into a documentary.
WooSox manager Chad Tracy called him into his office to tell him he had a ticket to Pittsburgh. The 32-year-old pitcher thought he had been traded and tried to figure out which Triple-A team plays in Pittsburgh.
«I had a lot of time during the offseason to reflect on last year,” Booser said upon his return to Fenway Park. “It took me a few minutes to understand what was happening. He first asked me if I was able to pitch in Pittsburgh. My mind immediately went to the Philadelphia Phillies’ Triple-A affiliate in Lehigh Valley. But that’s in Pennsylvania—not Pittsburgh. I had no idea what was going on.”
Cam Booser’s path hasn’t been easy, and his story is already widely known. He began his athletic career as a football player, but a knee injury cut that short. He later broke a vertebra while working out. After switching to baseball, he underwent Tommy John surgery in college but managed to sign as an undrafted free agent in 2013.
“I think that have got older I started to appreciate the journey and where I am each and every day”, Booser added. “Not trying to focus on the future. I am trying to enjoy each and every day”.
Cam Booser’s story took even more unexpected turns
At 23, Booser was hit by a car and suffered a fractured sacrum. Two years later, he was suspended after testing positive for cannabis. He eventually retired from baseball and worked as a carpenter—until the Boston Red Sox discovered he was throwing gas and signed him in 2023.
«I’m not really sure, man,» Booser said when asked what he did to convince them to sign him in 2023. «But I’m thankful that they did. They gave me an opportunity, and I’m grateful. They changed my life forever. I love that organization.»
Booser’s journey is so remarkable that Netflix dedicated an entire episode to him in their eight-part series The Clubhouse, released this month.
“I haven’t seen the documentary yet”, said Booser to El Emergente on Saturday. “I’m trying to withhold from watching it. I want to wait until the off-season. I want to stay focus on our team right now, but I heard that they made a very great job”.
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The Red Sox traded Cam Booser to the Chicago White Sox back in December. He visited Fenway Park for the first time since the trade. «It’s bittersweet,» he said. «It’s amazing to be back here. I love this city and this stadium. There are a lot of great memories here.»
