Brandon Finnegan is the first player ever to appear in both World Series in the same year.
Brandon Finnegan is the first player ever to appear in both World Series in the same year. (USATSI)

SAN FRANCISCO - Here's a hypothetical: What if someone told Brandon Finnegan back in February that he would be pitching in the major-league World Series in October?

"I'd laugh at him," he said without hesitation after the Royals' Game 3 win over the Giants, 3-2, giving them a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven World Series.

And yet, here he was, recording two outs to close down the seventh inning with the tying run on base, just a few months removed from representing Texas Christian University in Omaha in the College World Series.

"That kid loves to fight," said catcher Salvador Perez. "He loves to compete."

Finnegan, 21, is the first player in baseball history to have appeared in the College World Series and the MLB World Series in the same year.

Yes, back when Royals pitchers and catchers were reporting for camp in mid-February, Finnegan was pitching in the rotation for TCU. When the Royals were winning 10 straight and taking over first place in the AL Central in early-to-mid June, Finnegan was competing with his collegiate teammates in the College World Series.

A first-round selection (17th overall), Finnegan began his professional career with High-A Wilmington on July 10th. He'd first appear for Double-A Northwest Arkansas on Aug. 7, when the Royals were in the midst of an eight-game winning streak and season-altering run of 24 wins in 30 games. On Sept. 1, Finnegan was summoned to the majors, becoming the first member of the 2014 draft class to hit the bigs. He debuted on Sept. 6.

A whirlwind to be sure, but Finnegan keeps things simple

“I’m just trying to throw strikes and get outs," he said. "I’m just trying to go out and have fun and play baseball.”

It's working. It was evident from the entire time in the locker room after Game 3 that he's having plenty of fun. Finnegan stood around answering every last question from a pack of reporters with a smile on his face. He laughed through several answers, even when there wasn't really anything funny said. He was just too happy to not laugh.

The performance is up to par, too. Combining the regular season and postseason, Finnegan has worked 12 innings and allowed just 10 hits and three earned runs. This was after going 9-3 with a 2.04 ERA in 17 starts for TCU.

Quite a year, huh?

“Every player at some point thinks he can do it, but so few do," he said. "Especially this quick, I feel like I got really lucky. Luckily they called me up and I’ve been getting the job done for the most part, so I just feel real lucky this year.”

He's selling himself a bit short, though. Sure, there has to be some luck involved, but he's incredibly talented and skilled. And he just made World Series history at the age of 21.