Waechter at home in the big leagues

A promotion from Triple A makes the former Northeast High standout the first Pinellas product to join the Devil Rays.

[Times file photo]

Doug Waechter's pitching at Northeast High got him drafted in the third round in 1999.

[Times file photo]

Waechter, working out with medicine balls in camp, had a 3.81 ERA at two levels.

He is in shock. Dad is numb. The people from Grandma's church are thrilled.

Who knew that one little minor-league callup could cause such a stir?

When pitcher Doug Waechter was called up by the Devil Rays from Triple-A Durham on Monday, the adjectives sprouted like dandelions all over St. Petersburg. The word, though, that might best describe Waechter's promotion is historic.

For the first time in their six-year history, the Rays have a player from Pinellas County.

"Really?" said Waechter, the former Northeast High standout who will be in uniform for tonight's game in Seattle. "That's hard to believe. With all the guys from Pinellas County who have played ball, you would've thought someone from here had played for the Devil Rays."

The Rays have had players from Tampa, Sarasota, Bradenton and Fort Myers, but until Monday they never had one who was born, raised and baseball-bred in the same county as Tropicana Field.

Waechter, called up while outfielder Jason Tyner was optioned back to Durham, changed that Monday.

"I found out (Sunday) night when we got back from a road trip and it was the most awesome news I could imagine," Waechter said. "I called my mom and dad and there wasn't too much talking. I think we were all in shock."

Waechter's dad, Richard, was at home around 8 Sunday night when his son gave him the news.

"I've followed the Devil Rays since Day 1," Richard said. "And then to have a son make it as a major-league pitcher, playing for his hometown team, it feels like a double blessing. All the times I've felt like calling the Devil Rays' office and telling them to call up Doug ... well, I'm glad I waited. I'm still just numb."

It seemed as if it were only a matter of time before Waechter got his shot.

Waechter was a two-sport star at Northeast, which is a mere 4.4 miles from Tropicana Field. As quarterback, Waechter led the Vikings to a county-record 33 consecutive victories and had signed to play football at the University of South Florida. But weeks after graduating from high school in 1999, Waechter was a third-round choice of the Rays after Josh Hamilton and Carl Crawford.

He chose baseball and in 2000, while pitching for the Rays' Class A affiliate Hudson Valley, made history by becoming the first in the organization to pitch a no-hitter.

Waechter continued to climb the organization's ladder and started this season at Double-A Orlando before being promoted to Durham on July 21. He made 22 starts and one relief appearance with Orlando and Durham, going 8-6 with a 3.81 ERA.

Throughout the season, the Rays considered calling up Waechter, 22, whenever they needed an extra arm. But each time the Rays went with another pitcher, including Chad Gaudin, who is 2 years younger than Waechter.

"I wasn't worried at all about when I might get called up," Waechter said. "I figured when the time comes, the time will come. You have to earn your way up here and I was just going to keep doing my thing. The good thing is I think I've learned a lot about myself over the past few years and now I think I'm prepared for this."

Prepared, but a little anxious. Rays manager Lou Piniella said he likes breaking in rookie pitchers on the road where there is less pressure, and Waechter likely will make his debut on a six-game road trip that begins tonight in Seattle and moves on to Oakland.

Though Waechter has been a starter his whole career, he will work out of the bullpen.

"That's fine with me," Waechter said. "I could (not) care less. I'll do whatever they tell me. I'm just grateful to be here."

Here, as in the majors. And home.

"To be able to play in front of family and friends would be awesome," Waechter said. "Hopefully, I'll get that chance."