The Severed Cortex

Link: http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/gamecenter/recap/MLB_20090502_ANA@NYY

Matt Palmer, who graduated from Caruthersville High School many years after me, got the start against the Yankees in the new Yankee Stadium yesterday and handcuffed the all star lineup. At 30 years old he is certainly no prospect any more, but tagged with the journeyman label or not, he is certainly making the most of an opportunity. That opportunity (indirectly) comes at the expense of the untimely death of Nick Adenhart.
As near as anyone can figure, Palmer is the first major league sports guy to hail from Caruthersville. Branch Rickey's farm system consisted of the Caruthersville Pilots, and there were players from that team that played for the St. Louis Cardinals, but it appears none were actually from Caruthersville. Nearby Wardell, a 'town' of less than 500 people, boasted 1980's speedster Jeff Stone who played for the Phillies, but that's the closest anyone from Pemiscot County has come. That list will have a new name starting this fall when Missouri cornerback William Moore, who hails from nearby Hayti, was drafted in the 2nd round by the Atlanta Falcons.
Congratulations to Matt. Pitchers tend to peak at age 30 and maybe the opportunity that he has dreamed about will continue throughout 2009. I hope he continues to pitch well and earns himself a fat 2 year deal next year.