The grin spreads across his face but it's the glint in his eyes that really answers the question: “George, what are you doing here?”

George Sherrill ('99) serves as the closer for the Baltimore Orioles?the relief pitcher who is called on to protect a lead in the final inning(s). Shortly before spring training started in February, the former Governors pitcher was traded to Baltimore from the Seattle Mariners, where he served as a set-up relief pitcher for the closer during the first four years of his major league career.

In the first two months of the 2008 baseball season the lefthander put up All-Star numbers. He had more saves than future Hall of Famers Mariano Rivera and Billy Wagner. He had more saves than the current “closers du joir” Jonathan Papelbon (Boston Red Sox), Joe Nathan (Minnesota Twins) and his former Seattle Mariner mound mate, J.J. Putz.

Sherrill literally was becoming an icon in a city that hadn't seen a winning season since 1997. He was the topic of radio talk shows. A local newspaper artist called it the Age of Sherrillization. He was the target of adulation of fans, gaining standing ovations when he came walking in from the bullpen. He was the coverboy for USA Sports Weekly. Even his own teammates found a way to salute his work by flipping upwards the bill of their caps after he finished off another opponent.

He continued his outstanding work to earn an invitation from the American League to represent the Orioles in the 2008 Major League All-Star game, to be played Tuesday at Yankee Stadium in New York.  

But Sherrill's trek to the major leagues is more than improbable. It borders on the incredible. That's why when Sherrill is asked “What are you doing here?” he just smiles.

“It just proves not all big leaguers are in the big leagues,” said Orioles manager Dave Trembley.

Back in 2002, a movie, “The Rookie,” was released based on the life of Jim Morris, who realized his life's dream of pitching in the major leagues some 16 seasons?following multiple arm injuries and a retirement?after signing his first contract.

However, Morris was the fourth player selected (Milwaukee Brewers) in the 1983 major league amateur draft, armed with a 97-mile-an-hour fastball. Everybody was interested in Jim Morris.

George Sherrill's story may be even more improbable. He barely was recruited out of high school (Evangelical Christian) in Memphis, ending up at junior college Jackson State, where he had two productive years before being recruited to APSU by head coach Gary McClure. At Austin Peay, he posted totals of 8 wins, 14 losses and 12 saves.

He couldn't find any major league team that wanted to give him a chance. After his 1998 season?his first as a Governor after transferring from Jackson State, 50 rounds of players were chosen, 1443  high school and college professional baseball wannabes, but none was Sherrill, who had tied an Austin Peay record for saves (eight) as a junior.

"We always liked George as a closer," McClure said. "He had three good pitches and the best pickoff move of anyone we have had since I have been here. The problem was we couldn't get to him (in 1999) so we shifted him to a starter mid-way through his senior year."

As a result Sherrill transitioned from the team's closer to No. 1 starter role. When June rolled around another 1474 players were drafted but again the name of George Sherrill went uncalled. Sherrill's senior numbers were not spectacular but scouts rarely rely on statistics. It is what they see with their own eyes. That was the problem. Oh, they liked his upper-80s fastball. But it was the weight he was carrying on his 6-foot frame. He weighed close to 240 as a junior before working hard to shed the pounds, getting down to 209 prior to his senior season. But the weight questions remained.

"Scouts who saw him as a junior didn't like his body, that he was a little overweight," McClure said. "But he really worked on that before his senior season." 

Sherrill was shaken by the snubs but not deterred. He wanted to pursue his dream. Again, no calls came about even signing a possible free agent contract with any affiliated minor league teams. Finally, he talked with former APSU teammate Aaron Sledd, who was playing independent baseball, about going that avenue.

He was able to keep his dream alive by signing with the Evansville Otters, of the Frontier League, a league that was similar to the one that once counted the Clarksville Coyotes as a member.

He bounced around in buses to such places as Traverse City and Kalamazoo, Mich., along with Jasper and Richmond, Ind. Statistically, nothing really stood out for Sherrill in his two seasons in Evansville, where he was primarily used as a starter.

“I really have never liked starting,” Sherrill said. “I just can't stand sitting around for four days waiting to pitch. I want to get in there.”

The following season (2001), he was traded to Sioux Falls of the independent Northern League, where he pitched for former Cleveland Indians manager Doc Edwards. More importantly, he was shifted to the bullpen?almost permanently. Next, he was traded in 2002 to Winnipeg, also of the Northern League.  It was there, while playing for former Houston Astros manager Hal Lanier that Sherrill's career started to turn. In 2002, he owned a 3.07 earned-run average, but more impressive were his 61 strikeouts in 41 innings.

In between those seasons, Sherrill's pitching odyssey took him to South America and Puerto Rico for winter league action. His determination to catch anyone's eye just kept him going.

Different reports say Sherrill returned to Winnipeg in 2003 noticeably lighter, weight wise.

“I don't really think it was a weight loss, it was more just getting into better shape, it was more muscle,” Sherrill said. “I figured out how to work out and what was best for me. I just kind of put everything together. Instead of me being more chunky, I developed more muscle.”

Also in better shape was his fastball. Reports said Sherrill came back to Winnipeg that season with added life on his fastball. The statistics bear it out. In 16 innings, the lefty allowed just eight hits while striking out 30 and walking only four. He also had a 1.13 ERA.

People began to take notice. Historically, whether it is observing high school, college or even independent players, scouts normally observe infield practice and perhaps the first five innings or so of a game. It allows them to watch the position players respective arms and footwork, defensively, and their bat speed, offensively. It also allows them to watch the starting pitcher go through the batting order more than once. 

Often times, scouts are heading to their next stop by the time the relief corps enters the game, especially the closer.

But Sherrill remembers that day in Schaumburg, Ill., it all changed.

“They (scouts) finally stayed, I finally got looked at,” he said. “There were scouts from the Mariners, the (New York) Yankees and (Arizona) Diamondbacks there.”

And they all liked what they saw. However, the Diamondbacks were not ready to make an offer. The Yankees, meanwhile, were willing to sign him to a Class A contract. “They told me they needed a lefthander but back then their reputation was if they needed someone (for the major league club) they would just go and buy it or trade for it,” Sherrill said.

Meanwhile, the Mariners scout was Charley Kerfeld, perhaps a kindred spirit to Sherrill. Kerfeld was never a svelte figure during his major league career. The former Astros pitcher was able to bring Sherrill the exact offer he was seeking...a chance to sign and go immediately to Class AA San Antonio Missions, just two steps below the major leagues.

“Seattle was the right fit for me,” he said. “I thought I would have the best opportunity with them.”

How did he respond? As good as he was at Winnipeg, he bordered on the ridiculous at the Double A level.  In helping the Missions to both the West Division crown and the overall league championship, Sherrill saw action in 16 games, covering 27.1 innings. He allowed just one run for an unbelievable 0.33 earned-run average. He struck out 31 and walked just 12 in his transition to affiliated baseball.

Sherrill went to spring training in 2005 in Peoria, Ariz., and the Mariners' upper management certainly was more than curious about this independent league vagabond. In fact, Sherrill, after less than a half season at Class AA, was moved up to Class AAA Tacoma, of the Pacific Coast League. More importantly, he was given the opportunity to serve as closer early in the season.

Again, Sherrill thrived in the new setting. In 23.2 innings pitching, he struck out 38 batters and walked only six, a phenomenal strikeouts-to-walks ratio.  He also had a 2.28 earned-run average while posting seven saves.

The Mariners certainly noticed. In fact, as the All-Star break was closing Sherrill got the call...It was July 15, 2004...Just mention that date and the grin returns to Sherrill's face. The Mariners needed a left-handed reliever at the major league level and that lefty was Sherrill. The 27-year-old was finally a major league player.

“I was in Pawtucket (R.I.) for the Triple A All-Star game and we were at the luncheon,” Sherrill said. “I remember there was a roundtable discussion going on with (former major league stars) Johnny Pesky, Dom DiMaggio and some others. They took a break so we could finish our meals...and I got the call. It was just amazing timing!

”I wasn't really expecting it, really wasn't even thinking about it. I was in the Triple A All-Star game. I just wanted to keep pitching well, maybe force their hand later. But things were not going too well in Seattle at the time. It was a chance for me to show them what I could do.”

Sherrill almost immediately made his own phone call. “I called my dad” Sherrill said. Who else would he have called?

Lee Sherrill always was a presence in George's athletics endeavors, whether it was baseball or soccer. The elder Sherrill was a familiar face at Austin Peay during his son's two-year Governors career. Weekends and even weekdays Lee Sherrill was known to drive from Memphis to Clarksville. When the younger Sherrill served as closer, often times he would drive to Clarksville without seeing his son even pitch. Although George Sherrill never liked being a starting pitcher, at least during that senior season his dad knew he was going to be able to watch his son pitch.

“God gave me a great set of parents,” George said.  “I had a pretty humble upbringing, we didn't necessarily have a lot, but my mom (Susan) and dad gave my brother (Sidney) and I everything they possibly could. I am blessed. Now it is time to give back.”

In his first day in the majors, he pitched against the Cleveland Indians. He finished the season with the Mariners, appearing in 21 games, owning a more than respectable 2-1 record and 3.80 earned-run average. 

He pitched well again in Spring 2005 but Sherrill was the victim of a numbers game?those numbers being dollars. The Mariners elected to keep former top draft pick Matt Thornton, whom the team had invested much money.

Instead of pouting, Sherrill returned to Tacoma and made his case again. In just 22 games he tallied seven saves with a sporty 2.28 ERA. He also had 38 strikeouts compared to just six walks. He was called up for a week in May, making one appearance and then was sent back down.

Sherrill then battled injuries before rejoining the Mariners for good on July 31. He finished that season with 29 appearances and solidified his role for Seattle.

In fact, he finished tied for fifth in American League pitching appearances (72) in 2006 and tied for seventh a year ago with 73. It was 2007 that saw his major league career really evolve. In 45.2 innings, Sherrill allowed merely 28 hits while posting an impressive 2.36 ERA. He also fanned 56 and walked only 17. Baseball experts believe to be a quality pitcher, a hurler must strive for a 2-to-1 strikeouts-to-walk ratio. Sherrill's was more than 3-to-1.

The former baseball nomad entered the offseason secure not only in his ability but his status as a major league player as well. But then the rumors began to swirl. Seattle was seeking to acquire Erik Bedard, one of baseball's best starting pitchers who seemed to be a luxury for a young, rebuilding Baltimore Orioles team. The rumors, which began during the winter meetings in Nashville, had Sherrill and young outfield phenom Adam Jones as the primary targets for the Orioles. After several weeks of talks, the trade occurred Feb. 8, just prior to spring training's start. Certainly it was met with disappointment by Sherrill, who had unyielding loyalty to a franchise that gave him his chance.

“They treated me well in Seattle,” Sherrill said. “They showed me a lot of respect. I think they liked how I treated people and how I interacted with coaches. I was thinking I was one of the ones they wanted to build around. They built a pretty good bullpen, one in which I was a part. But they want to go in a different direction as far their rotation was concerned. You have to give up something to get something?they got a good one in Bedard.

“Initially, I really didn't understand why the Orioles would be interested in me. They were in a rebuilding mode and I am 31.”

However, it turned out to be a blessing. The Orioles personify Sherrill and vice versa. Their manager, Dave Trembley, was a 20-year minor league coach and manager before getting his first major league managing opportunity during the 2007 season. The roster is comprised largely of castoffs who play with a collective chip on their shoulder. In fact, first baseman Kevin Millar also is an independent league alum.

Another Orioles teammate, former Governors pitching star Jamie Walker, had to overcome injuries to fight his way back from a four-year exile in the minors to become one of baseball's best left-hand set-up specialists.             

"Within a week, it was like I'd been here for a long time," Sherrill said. "This is just a great clubhouse, everyone pulling for each other.

"When I was in Seattle we had a good group but it seemed everyone was walking on eggshells, even in spring training. I don't know if it was the expectations because of all the guys (free agents) that were brought in or what. But here it is different?it's like night and day. We have a lot of clowns but we have guys who strap it on and play every day, but also have a lot of fun doing it.”

Shortly after the trade was made, Trembley called Sherrill to ask him to be the closer.

“He said ?I want you to close and I want you to think about it,'” Sherrill said. “I told him ?I didn't have to think about it?I want to close.'  But he asked me to think about it and tell him in spring training what I thought.

”The whole time I am just getting my mind shaped around it and getting ready for it. Then he told me, I think it was St. Patrick's Day, that he was going to announce it the next day. Sure enough I had a lot of media waiting on me. That's the real difference between setting up and closing, more media.”

Trembley said the decision from management's standpoint was an easy one.

“One, he is a strike thrower,” the second-year manager said. “Two, he is very competitive. Three, he commands both sides of the plate. He pitches equally well against right or left-handed (hitters). And it doesn't take him long to get loose.”

Sherrill had compiled just four saves total in Seattle. He doesn't have the typical “stuff” associated with closers. He doesn't throw in the mid-to-upper 90s mph, instead topping out no better than the low 90s, with most of his pitchers in the high 80s. He also doesn't have any “trick' pitches. 

“They say the ball comes out of my ear or my shirt. Whatever, the batter has trouble picking it up,” Sherrill said. “I guess it is a little deception.”

Obviously, it was working. In the first two months in Baltimore, as one of just five left-handed closers in baseball, Sherrill had nearly 20 saves for a team that totaled just 30 a year ago. 

“I am not surprised because it starts with attitude,” Trembley said. “We asked him to consider (being the closer) and he said he would do it. He has got really good stuff. He keeps everything simple. He works fast, he throws strikes.”

Orioles Hall of Fame pitcher Jim Palmer, who now serves as the team's television color analyst, also likes the pitcher's mound presence.

“The fact he had never closed before didn't mean he couldn't close,” said Palmer, who won 268 games from 1965-84. “They had a pretty good closer (J.J. Putz) in Seattle. But anyone who saw George Sherrill pitch, and I saw him the last three seasons, it was obvious he had pretty good stuff. He is very effective.

“Think about it, most closers are used in situations where they don't come in with men on base. Set-up guys often times come in with men on base. Here he is, in most cases, coming in for an inning. He is deceptive, he commands his stuff. Is he overpowering? No, but he throws strikes and can keep the ball out of the middle of the plate. It appears to me he has the mentality to do it.”

He was reaching near rock idol status among the Orioles faithful after they watched Chris Ray, who had 33 saves in 2006, struggle to reach 16 a year ago before undergoing Tommy John surgery. Walking around Camden Yards numerous fans are spotted wearing their caps with the bill flat and straight, saluting their new closer. Sherrill wore his hat the same way in Seattle. But in Baltimore they are abuzz about it.

“No matter how I tried, I could never curve the bill right?it was always lopsided (pointing to his batting practice hat),” he said. “I just quit trying when I was in the minors. This is way it comes and this is the way I wear it.”

On this Saturday night in mid-May, Sherrill came in against the Washington Nationals in a 6-5 game.  He retires all three hitters and as the Nationals Cristian Guzman pops up to first base to end the game, Sherrill's teammates come out for the post-game handshake ritual. But in this case, the ritual is a little different. All the Orioles players flip up the bill of their cap to salute their new closer. 

Who would have believed nine years after being unable to knock down anyone's door who might offer him a chance, the self-admitted “chunky” pitcher nobody wanted has become a perfect fit for the Baltimore Orioles.

-AP-