When a Major League Baseball team considers giving a player a tryout, it’s typically for one of two reasons: either a young player with potential who hasn’t yet found success at the MLB level, or a veteran looking to prove they still have what it takes to continue their career.
However, the Philadelphia Phillies are taking a different approach this spring. According to Matt Breen of The Philadelphia Inquirer (subscription required), the team has invited former prospect Kelly Dugan to a unique tryout during spring training. Dugan, a second-round pick in the 2009 MLB Draft out of Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks, California, spent over seven years in the Phillies organization but never made it to the big leagues.
After his release, Dugan had brief stints with the Chicago Cubs and Arizona Diamondbacks before spending the past six years playing in independent leagues. Over his minor league career, he posted a solid .283 batting average with an .803 OPS, 370 runs, 150 doubles, 69 home runs, 323 RBIs, and 31 stolen bases across 711 games.
Now, at 34, Dugan is getting another shot with the team where he started his professional career—but with a twist. His tryout will be part of a documentary. As part of an agreement between the Phillies and a film crew, Dugan will participate in minor league camp for three days before making his debut in a spring training game against the New York Yankees on Thursday.
Despite the long odds, Dugan is determined to chase his dream of making it to the majors. Filmmaker Mike Tollin, who is behind the documentary, believes Dugan’s persistence and journey are worthy of being told on screen. Tollin and his team worked to help Dugan secure this final opportunity, recognizing the dedication he has poured into the game.
Dugan, fully aware of the challenges ahead, remains optimistic. “He’s there to document it, and I have nothing to lose,” Dugan told Breen. “You never know what can happen. I’ve been training hard, and I feel as good as I ever have. I was a bit of a late bloomer in my career, and I’m just really grateful for this opportunity because I believe I’m a much different player than I was in big-league camp in 2014 and 2015.”
For Tollin, this is a rare chance to capture an inspiring journey, and he wishes Dugan the best in his pursuit.
Dugan, meanwhile, hopes his story resonates with other players chasing their dreams. “Everyone has a different journey in this game,” he said. “I’m just grateful they’re giving me a look. I see this as representing all the guys who deserve a second chance. I’m sticking with it, just like many others in my position, and I hope to make the most of this opportunity.”
The documentary is scheduled for release in 2026 as a multi-part series. By then, who knows? There might still be a chance to see Dugan in a Phillies uniform, fulfilling a dream years in the making.