This story was excerpted from Steve Gilbert’s D-backs Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.
You couldn't miss the Tommy Henry cheering section when the D-backs left-hander made his big league debut at Cleveland's Progressive Field earlier this month. They were one of the few, if not only, people wearing University of Michigan gear -- not just at Progressive Field, but perhaps in all of Ohio, so intense is their rivalry with Ohio State University.
Henry, who is from Portage, Mich., pitched three seasons for the Wolverines, leading them to the College World Series in 2019 before being selected by the D-backs in the second round of that year's MLB Draft.
"They wore it everywhere we go," Henry said of the UM gear. "So, that's awesome."
And while the group has thinned out considerably after his debut, when well over 100 friends and family members made the trip, you will likely find his parents, Mary Beth and Tom, at most of his starts, sometimes joined by his sister, Madison.
"It's a testament to their ability to be flexible, but also the willingness to travel and put in all the time," Henry said. "So, it's cool that they're still able to do that even at this level and at this time. I'm grateful for it. It's fun to see them after each game."
Their presence has helped ease his transition from Triple-A Reno to the big leagues. After battling nerves in his first start, he pitched well in his next two starts, including one under tough conditions at hitter-friendly Coors Field.
"It's a fun time for them," D-backs manager Torey Lovullo said. "I just expressed to him to make sure your family is included at the right time and after the game, tell them you love them and you appreciate them coming and supporting you. Because at some point, he's going to be a 10-year veteran, and he's not going to have that type of support. It's going to be old news, right? But for right now, I want him to enjoy that."