Hand-picked for a promotion

There will likely be more fans at Joe Davis Stadium today than the Huntsville Stars typically draw on a Sunday afternoon.

That's because many fans will be making the short drive from Hatton to watch a local product pitch on a big stage.

Donovan Hand, a former Hatton and Jacksonville State standout, will make his Class AA debut today when the Stars host Birmingham at 2:05 p.m.

"I figure I'll have between 100 and 150 people from my extended family there," Hand said. "It's amazing how many people have supported me throughout my career. I'm sure I'll be a little nervous, but I've been in similar situations before. I've just got to go out and do what I get paid to do."

Hand earned a promotion to Huntsville by compiling a 4-2 record and an ERA of 2.31 with the Brevard County Manatees of the Class A Florida State League. He was informed of his promotion Friday morning and immediately packed and hit the road headed to Huntsville.

It was the third promotion in less than a year for Hand, who was drafted in the 14th round by the Milwaukee Brewers last year.

Hand said developing another pitch has been the key to his success this year.

"I had been getting by with my fastball and change-up, but I needed a slider," he said. "This year in spring training, I learned how to throw a good hard slider, and it has been my go-to pitch. That has been the biggest difference for me this year."

Hand, who turned 22 in April, said he is looking forward to playing in Huntsville.

"It's a good situation for me," he said. "It's nice to play so close to home, but it is also nice because I know most of the guys on the team. I practiced with most of them in the spring, so it's not like last year when I came in not knowing anyone. There are some outstanding prospects at Huntsville.

"The best thing is that it will be so much easier for my family to see me play. My parents drove 26 hours last year to watch me in Montana, and now they will be less than an hour away. I'm looking forward to being around my brother, who is 17, and trying to be a good role model for him."

Hand said he is pleased with the progress he has made in his short time in professional baseball. He expects to spend the rest of the season in Huntsville and said he wants to keep doing the same things which have got him to this point.

"It's amazing to think that I was pitching in the OVC (Ohio Valley Conference) Tournament at this time last year, and now I'll be pitching in double A," he said. "I'm just trying to keep it all in perspective. I know I'll be excited when I take the mound, but I have to harness that emotion and do my job.

"I just thank God for everything he has done for me. It's been an unbelievable ride so far."

Jeff McIntyre can be reached at 740-5737 or jeff.mcintyre@timesdaily.com.