Former Albany Little Leaguer Chris Lamb Drafted by Oakland A's

Long-time  fans will be scratching their heads and wondering, “Has it really been ten years now?” Yes, it was ten years ago that Chris Lamb was on the Albany All-Star team, tuning up his curveball. And now he’s come home.

Home is the Oakland Athletics, that is, his favorite team growing up. They picked up the crafty left-hander out of Davidson College in the 11th round of the baseball draft last year. Lamb played seven years in Albany Little League, from Single-A to Juniors, including—fittingly—a stint in an A’s uniform. Before playing for Davidson, a small, elite liberal arts college in North Carolina, Lamb played for Berkeley High. He has fond memories of playing at Berkeley High, but he also remembers his time in Little League as some of the best times of his life. His father was a coach most of his little league career, learning as he went along. “My dad didn’t play much when he was younger, so he was learning along the way with me,” he told the Little Leaguer in a recent interview over the phone. He also credits his mother for her constant support, driving him all over while playing for a traveling team.

“Have fun with it—baseball’s a game, and you’re supposed to have fun doing it; otherwise, there’s no reason to be playing it.”

--Chris Lamb’s advice to young players

Although Lamb was drafted as a pitcher, he actually enjoyed playing catcher more when he was in Little League: “I felt like I was more involved in the game.” He played all positions, but admits that his greatest individual achievement in Albany was while pitching. In his first year in the majors, the 11-year old Lamb began throwing a curveball for the first time against the favored Giants in a game to decide who would advance to the TOC. Apparently, it worked: “I struck out sixteen and we won the game,” he remarked nonchalantly. 

Former ALL President Rex Higginbotham remembers Chris Lamb well, though it was for a running play that he remembers him best. “During the semifinals of the District Tournament at Albany, in the last inning, down by one run with two outs and Lamb on second, Albany’s best hitter hit a chopper to third. The third baseman threw to first, but Lamb scored from second, never hesitating in his run; that tied thegame, which we later went on to win in extra innings.”

Even though he has many great memories, Lamb is able to put them in perspective, and is looking forward, not back. Becoming a professional baseball player has been a process:  from high school, to college, and now on to the pros. He has high praise for all the help he has had along the way, but still sees the challenges ahead: “The grind of it, playing so many more games than you’re used to.” Still, he is a grateful young man:  “I wouldn’t change a thing.”

Here’s hoping that Chris Lamb comes home again sometime soon—say, to a stadium just off Interstate 880?