MESA, Ariz. — Adam Oller had plenty of moments where he was ready to give up on his dream. The long bus rides through random Minor League cities. Endeavors into playing independent ball and overseas. There was only so much more disappointment that he could take.
The way Oller’s professional career had been playing out, it only made sense that his first Major League Spring Training was a shortened one with less time to make his case for a roster spot. Over that time, though, he impressed A’s coaches with each opportunity he was given. On Friday, that work was rewarded with the news of a lifetime.
Upon returning to the dugout at the conclusion of his outing in a 12-4 A’s victory over the White Sox at Camelback Ranch, Oller was pulled aside by manager Mark Kotsay and was told that he made the Opening Day roster. After a long and turbulent journey, Oller’s dream was finally realized.
“I’ll be honest, that was something I never thought I would hear in my career,” Oller said. “Just with all the ups and downs that I’ve had, it was a very surreal moment.”
The first call went to his father, Mike, who previously flew in from Knoxville, Tenn., to watch his son’s first Cactus League start on March 23. Next was his mother, Sharon, who quickly got emotional. After failed calls to his three siblings, Oller then made calls to three of his closest friends.
“I’ve still got quite a few phone calls to make,” Oller said. “Mom was crying. Dad was happy. Just…
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