PHILIPPI, W.Va. -- Every baseball player grows up dreaming about the day they get the call, "Kid, pack your bags, you're going to the show."  On Wednesday, Alderson Broaddus class of 2017 graduate, Randy Dobnak, got that call.  

Dobnak will be promoted from the Triple-A Rochester Red Wings to the Minnesota Twins on Thursday, making him the first Battler to ever crack the Major Leagues.

"We are so proud of Randy and all that he has accomplished," said Head Baseball Coach Matt Yurish.  "I could not be happier for Randy and his family during this exciting time, and it is great to see all of his hard work and dedication pay off.  Six years ago, Randy was going through his first practices at Jack Funk Field and now he'll be pitching at Target Field. That is quite the journey and we are all so happy for him!"

Dobnak has not taken the conventional route to Major League Baseball.  Following his career at AB, Dobnak was not drafted, and went to play for the Utica Unicorns of the independent United Shore League in June of 2017.  Dobnak was then noticed by a scout for the Twins and signed to begin his journey to the Majors. This year, Dobnak opened the season in Single-A, then was promoted to Double-A, and then Triple-A, before getting the call up to the Twins.  In his 125 innings across three minor league levels in 2019, he has a 2.02 ERA.

We caught up with Randy and asked him if he has any advice for current Battlers.  He said, "Never let anybody say something is impossible. When someone doubts you, in the end, it only matters what you think of yourself.  If you're trying to please or impress somebody else, you're doing things for the wrong reason." 

During his career at AB, Dobnak was G-MAC all-conference every year of his career.  After earning second-team honors as a freshman, he was a first-team selection for his sophomore, junior and senior seasons.  He was also an all-region player, and a staple for the G-MAC championship team in 2016, who also made an appearance in the NCAA tournament.

"Randy is a Battler through and through, and it has been fun to watch him on this journey," said Athletic Director Carrie Bodkins.  "The Twins just gained a whole bunch of new fans and we cannot wait to see him play. The entire AB community is rooting for him. Once a Battler, always a Battler!"

The Twins start a series tonight at home against the Cleveland Indians, where Dobnak looks to get his first action in the Majors.