Professional baseball’s minor league system can be brutal for a lot of players, who spend years in the minors and never get their shot at the majors.
For Brock Stassi, it’s better late than never.
A former 33rd-round pick in 2011, Stassi had a big spring training, batting .333 with a 1.099 OPS and has made the Philadelphia Phillies’ major league opening day roster at 27 years old. When asked about the call-up, he could hardly hold back tears.
Stassi very emotional, choking back tears and calling it "a dream come true." pic.twitter.com/jcUb5H9UYZ
— Ryan Lawrence (@ryanlawrence21) March 30, 2017
Players selected in the 33rd round don’t tend to make it to the majors. In Stassi’s case, he had 1,020 people picked before him in 2011. However, he said that he always believed he could make it, because he kept proving doubters wrong.
“When I was in high school, I wasn’t recruited to go to college, and then late pick, so a lot of confidence (in himself),” he said. “So yeah, (MLB) was always my end goal, and I never doubted myself, ever.”
Stassi’s brother, Max, a catcher for the Houston Astros, detailed Brock’s journey.
Congrats to my big brother @brockstassi28 !!! I couldn't be happier!!!!! pic.twitter.com/iBqcRtVJdX
— Max Stassi (@MaxStassi10) March 30, 2017
No, Stassi won’t be a starter for the Phillies. He’ll back up Tommy Joseph at first base, possibly help out in the outfield and provide a left-handed bat on the bench. But that’s not the point. Stassi didn’t give up on his ambition and now it’s paying off. Whether you’re the 1,021st pick or 27 years old, no matter how high the odds, Stassi is demonstrating that there is always a chance for your dreams to come true.
