It’s hard not to root for Shawn O’Malley. From a fantasy perspective or in real life. A true Cinderella tale, the 28-year-old career minor-leaguer has been a feel-good story ever since his Sept. 1 callup by the Mariners, unexpectedly hitting .438 with a homer, two steals and a 4/9 K/BB rate over his first 27 plate appearances — all of which has garnered the outfielder some interest from fantasy owners looking for a late-season boost.
First, though, a bit of background. As a youngster growing up in nearby Kennewick, Wash., O’Malley — along with his father and grandfather — were passionate Mariners fans, hanging on every swing of the bat from Ken Griffey Jr.