Wynton Bernard was always a longshot to get to Major League Baseball. In 2012, he was selected by the San Diego Padres in the 35th round of the MLB Draft. His journey from there was anything but smooth. But on Friday, Bernard, now with the Colorado Rockies, completed his long path to the majors.
Bernard was with the Sugar Land Skeeters of the Independent League in 2019 and 2020. But prior to the 2021 season, he signed with the Rockies. He played with the Triple-A Albuquerque Isotopes in 2021 and 2022.
On Friday, his dream was realized. Bernard, who will turn 32 in September, was called up to the Rockies.
Bernard was overcome with emotion when he called his mother to tell her that he was getting to play in the majors.
The wait is over, @SaintBerny36…
and his call to his mom letting her know is everything 🥹💜 pic.twitter.com/5Ay6EI76JF
— Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) August 13, 2022
Then came his interview in the Colorado clubhouse prior to the game.
“Two years ago I was literally in independent ball, just fighting my way out. Just praying every night that something good would happen and it did, you know? It’s deep.”
Bernard then got emotional and took a few seconds to compose himself and regather his thoughts before continuing.
“There’s a lot of stuff behind it, you know? And I’m just proud that I stuck through and that I believe in God and I hope I’m an inspiration to all the believers that good things happen. I have good role models. My brothers are excellent role models to me. Everything has come full circle.”
Wynton Bernard’s journey to the majors has been a long one.
Now that he’s here, the emotions are flowing. #Rockies pic.twitter.com/eJSB2LirwC
— DNVR Rockies (@DNVR_Rockies) August 12, 2022
Bernard’s story already made him an easy guy to cheer for. But seeing how emotional he was at finally getting to fulfill his dreams after so many years of waiting made him a favorite of the MLB world.
This is awesome https://t.co/vRmXBzC9uf
— Patrick Saunders (@psaundersdp) August 12, 2022
This hits me right in the feels. So happy for Wynton. We went through the grind together and he has continued to go through it for over a decade.
Now he’s made it. And the emotions are flowing.
— Ben Verlander (@BenVerlander) August 12, 2022
oh, man. hope this guy hits a homer tonight! #rockies https://t.co/KTkVXgD10z
— Dago Cordova (@dago_deportes) August 13, 2022
That's my dude! Lived just a few dorm rooms down from him at Niagara. Incredible guy. Lets' goooooo. https://t.co/yfmldjdSik
— Dan King (@Kinger_DC) August 12, 2022
The biggest of W's https://t.co/pTckAuHKba
— Ralph Garza Jr. (@_R2_G2_) August 12, 2022
Bernard was hitting .325/.374/.588 with 17 home runs and 26 stolen bases in Triple-A prior to getting called up. So, he was certainly worthy of his promotion.