Orioles minor leagues: Alex Liddi living out his boyhood dream

The Tides infielder credits his family for getting him into the game. "I just came from a baseball family. My Dad used to play baseball and my Mom played softball and my brother played baseball." stated Liddi. When it comes to Liddi's first baseball memory he noted playing ball in the backyard with his older brother who is now 32. When asked about his baseball role models, Alex replied he looked up to ex-Brave Chipper Jones and ex-Mariner Ken Griffey Jr.

Unknown to many, Liddi is the first born and raised Italian player to compete in the Majors. Liddi was inked as a non-drafted free agent by the Seattle Mariners on September 9, 2005. Alex looked back on his initial deal saying, "I was so happy. It was a dream come true to be able to come to the States and play baseball."

After trucking away in the minors for three plus seasons, Alex got the call that every boy dreams of. The 225-pound infielder was a September call up for the Mariners in 2011. Liddi glanced back on his first call up saying, "It was the last day of the Triple-A season and everyone was telling me that I was going to get called up. I was really anxious and at the last moment I got the call." His first big league tilt was against the Los Angeles Angels. Stepping into the box, he locked his sights on Jerome Williams. Liddi shared what was going through his head stating, "I was trying to stay calm and get the hit."

Italy may not be a baseball powerhouse, but Liddi has dressed and played in three World Baseball Classics. The right-hander shared his thoughts on representing Italy stating, "It's something special, something unique, and being able to represent your country at the highest level. So I was really proud to be there."

As far as a favorite baseball game he played in, the infielder plucked a game against team Mexico during a World Baseball Classic. "In the first game, we beat Mexico in the Classic. We were down by two in the last inning and we won when Sergio Romo was on the mound." shared Alex on his favorite baseball moment.

Along with playing infield the Baltimore farmhand has stood guard in the outfield in the majors, but according to Alex he would rather play in the dirt than on the grass. Just like all athletes, Liddi has his strengths. Liddi battered about his strengths stating, "My defense and being able to drive in runs is always the thing I focus on."

Liddi is focused and dialed in at the plate for the Tides having 7 multi-hit tilts to date (8/5/13) and 11 of his previous 24 hits have been good for extra bases. If he keeps up the pace, he could find himself in the line-up again this September with an MLB club.

Follow Ted on Twitter @bauerhockeydude