Both Rookies of the Year have Appy Ties

Both Jeremy Hellickson and Craig Kimbrell started their pro careers in the Appy League. 

Hellickson, appeared in four games for the Princeton Devil Rays in 2005 as an 18 year old.  He never came to Greeneville or faced the G-Stros.

Kimbrell, appeared in 12 games for the Danville Braves in 2008.  He faced Greeneville twice both securing saves in one run wins.  Back on June 21st, 2008, he came into the game in the 8th inning. This is from the game log on MILB.

Greeneville Bottom of the 8th

• Pitcher Change: Craig Kimbrel replaces Junior Rojas.
• Frank Almonte pops out to second baseman Chais Fuller.
• Kody Hinze grounds out, third baseman Jon Gilmore to first baseman Gerardo Rodriguez.
• Dionel Montas strikes out swinging. 

Greeneville Bottom of the 9th

• Carlos Mojica called out on strikes.
• Ricardo Bonfante doubles (1) on a line drive to left fielder Mike Elkerson.
• Albert Cartwright grounds out, shortstop Shayne Moody to first baseman Gerardo Rodriguez. Ricardo Bonfante to 3rd.
• Renzo Tello reaches on fielding error by third baseman Jon Gilmore. Ricardo Bonfante scores.
• Devon Torrence walks. Renzo Tello to 2nd.
• Jay Austin grounds out, second baseman Chais Fuller to first baseman Gerardo Rodriguez. 

He faced Greeneville again on June 26th.  This is the game log from that affair when he entered with two outs in the 8th. 

Greeneville Top of the 8th 

• Pitcher Change: Craig Kimbrel replaces Matt Timms.
• Jose Altuve walks.
• Frank Almonte grounds out, pitcher Craig Kimbrel to first baseman Chais Fuller. 

Greeneville Top of the 9th

• Kody Hinze walks.
• Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Federico Hernandez replaces Dionel Montas.
• Offensive Substitution: Pinch runner Albert Cartwright replaces Kody Hinze.
• With Federico Hernandez batting, wild pitch by Craig Kimbrel, Albert Cartwright to 2nd.
• Federico Hernandez flies out to right fielder Chris Shehan. Albert Cartwright to 3rd.
• Renzo Tello lines into unassisted double play, third baseman Jon Gilmore. Albert Cartwright doubled off 3rd.

 Based on his minor league stats, Kimbrell was one of those rare pitchers who never started a game on his climb to the majors.