Cam Booser had one of the most heartwarming storylines of the 2024 MLB season. The former Boston Red Sox reliever debuted last year after years of tests and trials to make it to the majors.
Booser spent seven years in the minor leagues, with some breaks in between, before he made his MLB debut with the Red Sox in April 2024. The lefty "retired" from baseball in 2017 after he underwent Tommy John and labrum surgeries during his career. He also broke his back in a biking accident and served a suspension for marijuana-related offenses.
During his brief retirement, Booser became a carpenter and coached youth baseball. He realized his throwing arm felt good and strong enough to return to independent league ball in 2021, where he caught the attention of the Arizona Diamondbacks organization. Three seasons later, he debuted in the big leagues, and his emotional performance and story went viral.
Topps released a one-of-one trading card featuring Booser's MLB Debut Patch and signature that the lefty tried to purchase himself. Unfortunately, another buyer got to the one-of-a-kind card before he could. Luckily for Booser, the buyer was his sister, who gave him the card for Christmas.
Former Red Sox Cam Booser's sister gifts him one-of-one MLB debut card for Christmas
This is the best story EVER ❤️
— Topps (@Topps) December 27, 2024
Cam Booser is a pitcher who made his MLB Debut for the Boston Red Sox in April 2024.
But this wasn’t any “ordinary” debut…
Cam has had many ups and downs in his career, and at one point, he even retired from baseball to pursue a career as a… pic.twitter.com/GsFhUWjWDV
Booser's hands shook as he opened the card and realized his sister was the mystery buyer who beat him to the punch. He now has yet another lasting memory of his years-long journey to achieve his dream of playing in the big leagues.
Booser was traded to the White Sox on Dec. 21 to open a roster spot for Boston's latest sign-and-stash addition, Patrick Sandoval. Booser posted a 3.38 ERA with 43 strikeouts and 16 walks over 42.2 innings as one of the only lefty options in the Red Sox bullpen. He'll be a great addition to Chicago's 'pen as they rebuild to contend in the American League Central.