I figured that pitchers had a better chance of getting drafted than fielders, so I decided I should be a pitcher. But I never expected to be picked in the first round. I wasn't even sure I'd get picked at all.
The baseball draft is very different from the NBA or the NFL.
I will take a draft to the Yankees or to the Mets. A draft for president is not conceivable.
The Orioles drafted me. I did a lot for that community, I did a lot for the state, and they didn't show me a little bit of love.
After one year in the Texas League, the American League bought the rights to my contract. They optioned me back to the Texas League for the 1970 season.
I was actually hoping the Royals would pick me. It was the main team I wanted to go to. Their colors are Royal blue and that's my favorite color.?
When I got drafted I was sitting at home with my Mom watching the draft live on the internet when my name popped up on the screen. We both jumped up in joy and I immediately called my Dad who was out of town for work. Everyone was thrilled and then about 10 minutes late Matt Anderson (the Marlins scout who drafted me) called to give me the news as well and to start negotiating a contract.
At my growing years of 18 to 21 years old in the Minor Leagues, I dreamed of being a Philadelphia Phillie.
I grew up a Dodger and got drafted by the Dodgers.
I wasn't going to be drafted to steal bases at 18.
By that time I was thinking a little about pro ball and hopeful that someone would draft me.
I went through baseball as 'a player to be named later.'
I ended up getting drafted by the Colorado Rockies on June 8, 2010 and the next day, my dad passed away, in June 9, 2010. So I'm at the biggest high of my life on June 8th. And the next day, June 9th, he's gone.
