L. J. Hoes, 2010 Topps Pro Debut #373

L. J. Hoes is not having much success in Houston this year, but he did have an enjoyable game last night. The 24-year-old outfielder, traded from the O's to the Astros last summer for Bud Norris, is batting .178/.235/.308 in 40 games in 2014. However, "Little Jerome" started in left field last night as the 'Stros visited Oakland. He went hitless in his first four trips to the plate, but delivered a solo home run off of Fernando Abad with one out in the 12th inning to account for the winning run in a 3-2 Houston victory. As luck would have it, yesterday was Hoes' mother's birthday. The outfielder spoke to his mom before the game, and revealed that Gale Hoes had told him to hit a homer for her. She clearly expected the best from her son, who hadn't gone deep since May 13, and that's just what she got. Such a good kid.