Panama in his blood: Logan Allen had a masterful debut

The lefty from a Panamanian mother made his major league debut with the Cleveland Guardians

Pitcher Logan Allen made a brilliant Major League debut yesterday in the Cleveland Guardians’ 7-4 victory over the Miami Marlins at Progressive Field in front of 12,664 fans.

Allen is the son of Caron Pamela Sadowski, who was born and lived in the Canal Zone, now based in Deltona, Florida, but who has Panama in her heart.

He was selected in the second round of the 2020 Major League Baseball Draft, as the #56 pick from Florida International University. He later settled with the Guardians for $1,250,000.

The 24-year-old left-hander threw six innings, out of five hits, a home run, which was by Jon Berti, a run, gave away a walk and struck out eight; leaving his ERA at 1.50.

In his start he threw 86 pitches, 60 of those in the strike zone, while facing 23 batters.

“I did my best to stay alert, the nerves were there, but when I pass you on the mound you relax,” Allen said after his win.

“I’m glad they selected me, there are quite a few good players in the organization and I hope to be in this team,” he added about the opportunity.

Allen struck out the first batter he faced, which was Jon Berti and that ball already has an owner.

“I definitely have to give it to my mom,” he said smiling to the press.

‘Just go out and do your job, don’t overexert yourself, you’re here for a reason,’ were the words he received before starting the job.

For his part, Terry Francona described Allen’s work thus: ‘He had poise. He made three pitches. he attacked. He did very well.

He joined a list of Cleveland pitchers who recorded at least eight strikeouts in their first major league start: Luis Tiant (11 strikeouts in 1964), Triston McKenzie (10, 2020), Herb Score (nine, 1955), Fred Blanding (eight, 1910) and Floyd Weaver (eight, 1962).