Former Falcon Falu Triples in First MLB At Bat

Centerville, IA -- After 10 years and over 900 games in the minor leagues, former Indian Hills Falcon Irving Falu had a memorable major league debut on Sunday for the Kansas City Royals.

The switch-hitting Falu was called up to the Royals at the start of their weekend series with the New York Yankees.  And after waiting patiently, or most likely impatiently, for three games, he got the start at shortstop in Sunday's series finale.

 In his first big-league at bat, Falu, wearing number 19, tripled to right field against New York starter Phil Hughes.  He added a single in the 5th inning and later scored his first run.

"He's put his time in," Royals' manager Ned Yost said.  "He's got his opportunity.  For that, I'm excited.  I'm glad to see kids put forth the effort to be the best player they can and finally get an opportunity on the big-league level.  It's got to be one of the biggest thrills of his life.  You finally get to see a little reward for all the hard work you've done."

Falu was hitting .306 through 21 games with the Omaha Storm Chasers in the Triple-A Pacific Coast League when his contract was selected by the Royals.

He hit .301 for Omaha last season and was a non-roster invitee to spring training this year but began the season back with the Storm Chasers for the fourth straight year.

After two years at Indian Hills, Falu was chosen by Kansas City in the 21st round of the 2003 First-Year Player Draft.  He has worked his way up through the Royals' minor league system.

The native of Puerto Rico played second, shortstop, third and right field this season for Omaha.  Yost said, "He's a really, really good utility player.  You can play him at a lot of different spots."

Falu turns 29 next month.  He returned to Centerville as the featured spearker for the 2011 baseball banquet.

Falu's appearance in Sunday's game makes it 39 years in a row in which at least one former Indian Hills player has played in a major league game.