Working overtime: Took the loss in a 23-inning marathon on May 24. While in the Oakland organization, Friend was part of a 21-inning game while with Stockton (A) in 2009 that set the California League record by lasting 7 hours, 34 minutes over 2 days.
As a kid: Attended East Union High School in Manteca, which is about 50 miles east of Oakland. Grew up as a fan of the A's, the team that drafted him in the 13th round in 2007.
Favorite memory: Was in the stands on Sept. 1, 2002, when Miguel Tejada hit a walkoff home run to give Oakland its 18th consecutive victory during what would be an AL-record 20-game winning streak.
Ballpark he'd love to pitch in: Yankee Stadium. "Their fans are pretty obnoxious and the hostility would probably be pretty fun," he laughed.
Pregame quirk: Takes a hit of smelling salts before he goes in to pitch. "It kind of wakes you up after sitting in the bullpen for eight innings," said Friend, who picked up the habit from Oakland closer Andrew Bailey, a Paul VI product. "He's a two-time All-Star, so I figured I might as well try it."
His rule: Was pleasantly surprised when he found out the Phillies had scooped him up in the minor league portion of the Rule 5 Draft in December.
Quoting: "I didn't really know where I stood within the [Oakland] organization," he said. "To get picked up by the Phillies, makes you feel like you're wanted in this game. It really helped confidencewise, and this game's all about confidence."
Rasslin' match: His uncle, Jim Norris, had Down syndrome and passed away 12 years ago. Friend was close to Norris and still has vivid memories of watching Hulk Hogan, Andre the Giant and other wrestling heroes with his uncle.
Giving back: Inspired by the relationship he had with his uncle, Friend works as an aid in the offseason at special education/special needs facilities in the San Joaquin County. "Some of these kids have such a struggle getting out of bed or ever leaving their homes," Friend said. "It absolutely puts everything into perspective about how lucky [we] are to go out and play a game every day."
- Ed Barkowitz
