DETROIT -- A third alumnus of the Thunder Bay Border Cats is getting a taste of the majors.
Pitcher Blaine Hardy, who was a member of the Border Cats' 2008 Northwoods League championship squad, was called up to the major league roster by the Detroit Tigers before their game against the Minnesota Twins on Sunday. He was in uniform in the bullpen.
The 27-year-old lefthander opened the 2008 season in Thunder Bay and made one start, throwing seven shutout innings, before being drafted in the 22nd round of that year's draft by the Kansas City Royals. He signed a professional contract with the Royals and remained in their organizatiion until spring training last season when he was released.
He signed shortly afterwards with the Tigers and started at the Double AA level and finished last year with their AAA affiliate. He sported a 3-2 record and 2.68 earned run average prior to the call up.
Hardy joines Matt Mangini and Jonathan Diaz as the only other two former Border Cats to reach the big leagues.
