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Cincinnati drafts Devin Mesoraco as 15th pick in first round of MLB draft |
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Written by Dan Walk
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Friday, 08 June 2007 |
 Punxsy senior catcher Devin Mesoraco (center) - along with family and friends at Zach's Sports & Spirit Bar in Altoona - reacts just a second after he was selected by the Cincinnati Reds as the 15th selection in the first round of the MLB First-Year Player Draft Thursday. (Photo by Dan Walk)
ALTOONA - In April 2000, Devin Mesoraco left an impression on his father Doug that still hasn't worn off to this day.
At just 12 years old, Devin was playing for Punxsy's 15-and-under Junior Legion baseball team. At a certain moment in a certain game that month and year, Doug felt Devin had a possibility of doing special things.
"We were playing a game, and he was playing in center field, and a ball was hit to the gap, and he just broke on the ball and dove horizontal to the field and made a diving catch. And I'm saying, 'Boy, that's pretty damn good.'" Doug said. "For a 12-year-old and playing a year early, we played him in center field, and he was making diving catches all over the place. It just seemed that he had a feel for the game at an early age."
Now, seven years later, with tears flowing from his mother's eyes and cheers coming from more than 100 Punxsy fans in attendance at Zach's Sports & Spirit Bar in Altoona, Devin's big day had finally arrived.
Major League Baseball commissioner Bud Selig announced that Mesoraco was a member of the Cincinnati Reds after the team selected him with the 15th overall selection in the first round of the First-Year Player Draft Thursday.
"It was a dream come true," Devin said. "I was so excited, and I'm just glad to be a Cincinnati Red. We were hoping for this, and it came through, so we can't be any happier."
Minutes before the pick was official, Doug received a phone call from Devin's advisor, informing the Mesoracos that there was potential for a deal. Many teams were interested in Devin, especially the Toronto Blue Jays - who picked No. 16 and 21 - and the Philadelphia Phillies - who picked No. 19.
The Reds must have recognized that and pulled the trigger by selecting Devin No. 15.
Once Selig announced that Devin was a Cincinnati Red, every Punxsy resident filling Zach's jumped to his or her feet, while hugs and congratulations were given to the Mesoraco family.
It topped off a great afternoon during which the Punxsy baseball team advanced to the PIAA Class AAA baseball semifinals with a 7-0 win over Lewistown.
"I was crying, I was very emotional," said Laura, Devin's mother. "I was just so happy for Devin - and really for the team today that won - but for Devin because he's worked so hard and really our family, 'cause only the four of us know what we've been through.
"It's been extremely demanding, and we can't thank the community enough; the coaches, the administration, our family and the scouts. It was just awesome. It really was," she said.
Devin's 14-year-old brother Jordan said that it was "pretty cool" and was happy to see that Devin is now a professional baseball player.
In a baseball game a few years back, Devin injured his throwing arm when he came in as a relief pitcher. Because of that, he had Tommy John surgery, which made Devin assume the designated-hitter role during his junior year. Devin played every game of his senior year, and definitely feels that the injury is behind him.
"With the arm injury and everything, we weren't sure what was going to happen," Devin said. "But after everything shaped out, my arm came back great."
"It was a trying time for him," Laura said of Devin's arm injury. "But he came through it, and we all came through it, and here we are today. We're all on cloud nine."
Now that Devin is a professional baseball player, advancing through the minor leagues and into the major league is his No. 1 goal.
"Being drafted is special, but to be a Major League player is something more special," Doug said. "He does have some work ahead of him, and I know, based on his work ethic, he'll do everything he can. He won't lose because he isn't working hard enough. It's just that maybe somebody will be a little better than him."
Coincidentally enough, this isn't the first time Devin was a member of the Reds.
When he was nine years old, Devin was a member of the Fairman Drilling Reds, a Minor League team in the Punxsutawney Groundhog Little League.
During ages 10 through 12, Devin also played for the Cloe Lumber Reds Little League baseball team.
"Everyone is happy that the selection went off as it is," Doug said. "Hopefully, he can live out his dream and have a career in baseball.
"And, of course, Cincinnati is our new favorite team," he said. |
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Last Updated ( Saturday, 09 June 2007 )
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