Riders reminisce on Draft Day
It is finally here. The 2016 MLB Draft begins tonight and continues over the next two days.
The draft signals an exciting time every year for all 30 teams in baseball. It represents an opportunity for rejuvenation, growth, and expansion of the ever-growing farm system.
New faces will arrive and meet old ones. New stars will emerge, chasing their big league dreams. These players will start at the lowest levels and work their all the way up to the top.
For eight different teams, their new players will ultimately pass through the Texas League along the journey. After the weekend is over, we will have a list of fresh new faces to keep an eye out for as they move their way up the ladder of the Rangers organization.
For many of the current RoughRiders, their professional careers began with the MLB Draft as well. Many have great stories to share about that special day when they became a Texas Ranger.
Outfielder Lewis Brinson was selected in the first round by the Rangers in 2012. Coming out of Coral Springs High School in Florida, Brinson recalled spending the special day with his family and the emotions he had when he got the news.
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“When I heard the Rangers were going to pick me, I was in tears,” Brinson said. “It was a great day for me and my family, especially with my dad not being there. He passed away when I was 11. It was a big moment and one of the best days of my life.”
Catcher Kellin Deglan was another first-round draft pick two years earlier in 2010. The Langley, British Columbia native had a similar experience with family and friends gathering to celebrate the occasion.
“We had a bunch of family over and watched the draft live,” Deglan said. “I remember when it was pick 18, the Rangers gave me a call. They asked me if I would sign at pick 22, and I said absolutely. Sure enough, I saw them call my name at pick 22. It was a very special moment.”
Right-handed pitcher John Fasola had a very unique story. He was actually taking a nap at the time when his name was called in the 31st round of the 2014 draft. Fasola’s father woke up him to share the news that he was selected by the Rangers.
Wherever and however the newest professional baseball players are celebrating the occasion, it will certainly be a special day for all the high school and college ballplayers who are selected by one of the 30 Major League teams in the draft.
Tune in to MLB Network (or MLB.com) at 6 p.m. to watch the first two rounds live. The Rangers will make their top choice at the №30 in the first round.
- Steve
Baseball term of the day: draftitis — An affliction that hurts a player’s draft status in the period leading up to the draft whereby the player withers under scouts’ scrutiny and fails to display his skills.
(term from The Dickson Baseball Dictionary)
