May 4, 2018 4 min read

Would you be willing to change jobs, just to pursue a vocation that you consider your dream?

And relocate from one coast to another?

And take a significant cut in salary?

Frank Trimarco, a pitcher for the Wild Things, said “Yes,” to all of the above.

A little more than a year ago, Trimarco was a former college baseball player who was working as a salesman in midtown Manhattan, not far from his home on Long Island. Trimarco was working for Cintas, selling supplies like soap, paper towels, floor mats and air fresheners to restaurants and bars.

But what Trimarco wanted to be doing was pitching for a professional baseball team.

So when he received a telephone call from somebody offering a job, for $57 per week, to pitch in the independent Pecos League, Trimarco decided his career had to start somewhere, packed up and headed to Tucson, Ariz., to pursue his dream.

“It was a big decision,” Trimarco said. “Working in sales is tough, but if I had stayed at Cintas I probably could have moved up in the company. Baseball, though, has always been a love for me. So I took a chance. I missed competing. Corporate life wasn’t my thing.”

Playing primarily in Arizona and California, Trimarco’s Pecos League experience consisted of 14 games and a 4-2 record with a 3.14 ERA for the Tucson Saguaros. He pitched well enough to make the league’s all-star game.

“His numbers were good in the Pecos League, which is a tough place to pitch,” Wild Things assistant general manager Tony Buccilli said.

Before the season ended, Trimarco had been dealt to the Wild Things, received a significant pay raise and was pitching meaningful innings in Washington’s drive to the Frontier League playoffs. Trimarco and Jake Eaton were a pair of lefty pitchers acquired by Washington late in the season and added depth to the bullpen. In 15 innings, Trimarco had allowed only nine hits and two walks.

“Frank did a nice job,” Wild Things manager Gregg Langbehn said. “He and Eaton stabilized us in different capacities. Frank is in limbo with his role because it has not been defined. Will he be a starter or a reliever? He’s going to get plenty of opportunities. That kind of stuff will work itself out. He did have an excellent start in the final regular-season game last season.”

Trimarco allowed three hits and one run in five innings of that game, a 9-3 Washington win at Traverse City that clinched a playoff berth for the Wild Things. Trimarco hopes to make more starts this season, though his role on the pitching staff has not been defined.

“I think I’m more comfortable as a starter,” said Trimarco, who won 18 games in four years at Monmouth University. “I’m not a big velocity guy, but I’ve proven that I can maintain it throughout a game.”

Trimarco, who is one of 17 pitchers in camp trying to secure a roster spot for Washington’s season opener May 11 at Evansville, made a strong impression Friday morning. In an exhibition game against the Black Sox, a touring team of unsigned players, Trimarco threw four scoreless innings in the Wild Things’ 5-3 victory. He gave up only one hit, did not walk a batter and struck out six.

It was Trimarco’s first stint on the mound since taking a line drive, which was hit by catcher Babe Thomas, off both his back and left elbow during an intrasquad game.

“I’m very happy with what I’ve been doing,” Trimarco said. “We have a very competitive group and if you want to stick around, then you have to go out and prove yourself every day.”

Extra bases

Washington defeated the Black Sox 7-5 Thursday morning. Washington outfielder James Harris, a former first-round draft pick of the Tampa Bay Rays, hit three solo homers over the two games. Outfielder Roman Collins and first baseman Brandon Dulin also hit home runs. All five of the Washington homers were solo shots. … The Frontier League’s first mandatory roster cutdown is Sunday, when all teams must be down to 28 players. Washington has 34 players in camp.