Former First Presbyterian Christian Academy and Kennesaw State University baseball player Richard Lovelady was pulled up to the major leagues Tuesday. In his debut against the Mariners that evening, Lovelady pitched a scoreless eighth inning and struck out two. The Royals lost 6-3.

During a radio interview Lovelady said his debut was, “Everything I ever dreamed of and everything I ever imaged it to be.”

The Kansas City Royals called up the left handed relief pitcher from their minor league division, the Triple A-Omaha.

Lovelady said he was about to leave the airport in Omaha when Team Manager Brian Poldberg decided to tell him in a joking manner. Poldberg called him saying he had left something at the airport baggage claim area.

Lovelady said he went back to baggage claim and started looking around and then ran into Poldberg who told Lovelady it was time.

“What do you mean it’s time?” Lovelady replied. After a brief exchange Lovelady realized what was happening. He said he became so emotional he broke down and cried.

“I didn’t know what to say. I was at a loss for words, just started crying and gave him a big hug,” Lovelady said.

The Kansas City Royals drafted Lovelady in the tenth round in 2016. According to their news release on Royals Review Lovelady, 23 excelled at each level of the minors where he had a 1.99 ERA in 167 1/3 career innings.

Lovelady has appeared on the top prospect list for making the majors several times last year.