For those of you who don’t know Phil Humber’s story it goes something like this.

1st round draft pick of the Mets in 2001

Tommy John surgery in 2005

2 failed big league seasons in New York, sent packing to Minnesota in 2008

After one bad year for the Twins, signs with the Royals in 2009.

Royals fire him just over a year later, in 2010

Immediately signs with the Oakland A’s in December 2010

Fired by A’s, signs with White Sox 1 month later.

15 months later throws a perfect game against the Seattle Mariners. Yeah, we could have all predicted that.

This is a guy that could have given up. He could’ve taken his money and gone home. At least he could be a bitter man after being put through the ringer of Major League Baseball.

Not a chance.

Not even after pitching in the backfields during spring training more than he pitched on the main field.

Not even after his first start was bumped due to a rainout.

He is the Sox 5th starter. To some, an afterthought.

It should give people faith that good things really do happen to good people, and hard work does pay off.

Never once in the 2 years I’ve been around him has he been anything other than cordial to everyone. I have never seen him turn down an interview–before, or after a game.

Humber is one of those guys who takes credit for nothing. If you watched the Fox post-game you heard him give all the credit to AJ Pierzynski. He also gave credit to the ball, who, as he said, was hit at someone most every time.

Humber put in tremendous work the past 2 springs, so it’s nice to see it pay off.

Where will Humber end up in the annals of baseball is anyone’s guess. No matter, on April 21st 2012 he’ll know exactly where he was, and what he accomplished.

Perfect day