Cooper Kinney has played the moment over and over in his head, imagining the thrill of stepping into the batter’s box at AT&T Field this week in his first trip back home as a professional baseball player.
The 22-year-old former Baylor School star is living out his dream as the No. 17 overall prospect in the Tampa Bay Rays organization, as the left-handed hitter looks to savor every moment as a member of the Montgomery Biscuits playing against his hometown Chattanooga Lookouts through this Sunday.
Kinney’s AT&T pro debut had to wait, however, as heavy rain led to Tuesday’s game being postponed. A doubleheader is set for Wednesday beginning at 4:30.
“Coming back to Chattanooga is incredibly meaningful and special to me. This is my home. I take pride in where I came from. This is the place that shaped me both as a player and a person.
“I remember watching Yasiel Puig play here when he was a top prospect and the stadium was sold out, and the environment was awesome. I also fondly remember watching fireworks after the games with my family when I was a kid.”