Calhoun excited to be playing in home state

PHOENIX -- Angels outfielder Kole Calhoun has been to Chase Field plenty of times before.

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The 27-year-old went to Buckeye High School, which is fewer than 40 miles away. He then went to Yavapai College in Prescott, Ariz. After two years there, Calhoun finished his collegiate baseball career at Arizona State.

So it was only a short trip if Calhoun wanted to go take in a D-backs game. But in his first three seasons in the Major Leagues, Calhoun had not made a return trip to Chase Field.

On Wednesday, Calhoun started in right field and batted second against the D-backs in his first Major League game in his home state.

"I know it's home, but first time I'm going to get to play on this field," Calhoun said, "so pretty exciting."

During his career at Arizona State, Calhoun was a two-time All-Pac 10 selection, leading the team in homers and RBIs during his senior season while serving as co-captain. He was then drafted by the Angels in the eighth round of the 2010 Draft.

Calhoun had a group of about 40 family members and friends at the game..

"Everybody getting together and coming out to watch a ballgame, somewhere where I grew up, coming as a fan," Calhoun said. "Now they get to watch me play on the field, so it's pretty cool."

Calhoun entered Wednesday's game batting .268, with six home runs and 32 RBIs.