GAINESVILLE — When Atlanta Braves utility man Charlie Culberson was called to the mound to pitch, he wasn't nervous at all.
Why would a Major League baseball player be nervous? He's a pro, right? He's also human and, technically, not a pitcher.
"It happened once last year," Culberson said about his first outing. "I knew if the game was out of hand, I was the guy to go to. Since I was that guy last year, I was probably going to be the guy again this year if it happened. Well, it did."
Last season, trailing 11-5 against the Colorado Rockies, Braves manager Brian Snitker sent the Rome-native to the hill for the first time since high school (Calhoun) in 2007. His fastball touched 93.7 mph – the MLB average at the time was 93.1 mph – and he gave up one run on two hits in one inning.
"Once I knew I was pitching, I was fine," Culberson said. "But leading up to it, there were some nerves — just getting back out there on the mound."
He toed the rubber again on May 2 in almost the same situation. The Braves were trailing San Diego 11-2 when Snitker called Culberson's number again. He was almost hitless, giving up one hit, no runs and recorded his first career strikeout.
"It's exciting," Culberson said. "I enjoy doing something different and I enjoy doing things like that."
Aside from pitching, Culberson has been clutch in the batter's box and on the field this season. He's batting .469 and is 3 for 4 with three RBIs this week.
"All in all, I think it's been pretty well for us," he said. For us, we have to think of it as one game at a time. Things are good though. I don't think we've clicked on all cylinders yet, which is a good thing, but the season is going good."
To listen to the complete interview with Culberson, click play above.
