After being traded to the Milwaukee Brewers this past December and starting the 2025 MLB season in Triple-A, LFHS alum (2018) Caleb Durbin made his MLB debut on Friday, April 18th against the Athletics. Durbin was traded by the Yankees in a deal including pitcher Nestor Cortes for pitcher Devin Williams.
Durbin played for the Scouts from 2016-18. When he graduated, he was the school’s all-time leader in hits, runs scored, triples, and stolen bases. He was also named The Forest Scout’s Male Athlete of the Year in 2018.
Durbin played the first 19 games of the MLB season with Brewers affiliate Nashville Sounds. In 13 games with Nashville, he hit .278 with an on base percentage of .316 and an OPS of .797. With a solid foundation to his minor league stats, Durbin also swiped three bases, had seven extra base hits, and only struck out five times in 54 at bats. This production, along with a slow start from Brewers other third baseman Oliver Dunn, led Durbin to get called up to the Big Leagues and make his first MLB start.
“When I walked in [to the clubhouse], it was a surreal feeling seeing my name in a big league lineup for the first time,” Durbin said.
After playing four seasons in the minors, Durbin was now living out his childhood dreams. In his first game, Durbin played third and batted ninth. An MLB environment is completely different from any minor league game Durbin had played in, though he didn’t let that aspect interfere with his play.
“Outside of the competition, the biggest difference between Triple-A and the MLB is the atmosphere around the game. The stadiums are much bigger and fans are much louder,” Durbin said.
Durbin wasted no time to collect his first MLB hit. In the bottom of the third, he hit a slow roller to the third baseman where he got to show off his dangerous speed. Despite it being a close play, Durbin beat the throw to leg out the single to achieve a memorable milestone in his career. Even more impressive, it was in his first ever at bat.
After grounding out in the fifth inning in his second at bat, Durbin came back in the seventh and hit a line-drive single over the shortstop’s head. Following a bunt single from Brice Turang and a deep fly out to right from Jackson Chourio, Durbin stood on third with one out. With a ground ball from Christian Yelich to the right side of the infield, Durbin crossed home plate marking his first run scored. Durbin finished the game 2 for 4 after a sharp line out to center in the eighth.
The Brewers went on to win 5-3, giving Durbin his first MLB win as well. The best part for Durbin: seeing all the people who came to support him.
“My favorite moment from was seeing all my family and friends after the game. It felt amazing knowing how many people took the time to come out and support me, as well as those who watched from home and reached out to congratulate me,” Durbin said.
The next day, Durbin knocked in his first RBI, as well as homering two days later in San Francisco for his first Major League home run. With an impressive start to his MLB career, it will be exciting to see fellow Scout Caleb Durbin on his journey in the Majors.
