June 9, 2009

REMEMBERING DRAFT DAY….

RICHMOND, Va. – It’s the day that changes the life of so many young men, both high schoolers and college players, across the country: the Major League Baseball Draft.

Tonight marks the start of the 2009 version, with the first round shown live on the MLB Network at 6 p.m.

Virginia Commonwealth University has a long-standing tradition of having its players names called by the league’s commissioner, with 49 former Rams continuing their career at the professional level.

VCUathletics.com recently got a chance to catch up with several of those players to take a look back on a day they will always remember.

Donnie Phillips, Detroit Tigers, 1984

VCUathletics.com: Where were you when you got the news you had been drafted?

Donnie: I was actually signed as a free agent, so I had a different experience than most guys. I had started coaching at VCU during the fall season of ’84. I signed the contract that fall and went to spring training in ’85.

VCUathletics.com: What was your first reaction after you received the call?

Donnie: I was in shock really. I could not believe that my dream had come true. At the same time, I was pumped and excited to have a chance to play pro ball.

VCUathletics.com: So I’m guessing there was a celebration dinner with the family afterwards… where did everyone chow down?

Donnie: Shaka’s in the fan

VCUathletics.com: Biggest adjustment you had to make in your first week of pro ball?

Donnie: The time commitment. Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week you have to spend working and thinking about the game.

VCUathletics.com: Rumors have this year’s unanimous number one pick Stephen Strasburg asking for a bonus of close to $50 million. What would you do with a bonus like that?

Donnie: First, I would take care of my kids and make sure they were set. Then, do whatever I want, when I want.

Eric Sauve, Texas Rangers, 1994

VCUathletics.com: Where were you when you got the news you had been drafted?

Eric: I had actually already left Richmond and was en route to my parent’s home in Pennsylvania on Route 15.

VCUathletics.com: What was your first reaction after you received the call?

Eric: The best word to describe would be relief.

VCUathletics.com: So I’m guessing there was a celebration dinner with the family afterwards… where did everyone chow down?

Eric: My parents and family had actually rented a banquet room at a local hotel, so we had a big party with family and friends to celebrate.

VCUathletics.com: Biggest adjustment you had to make in your first week of pro ball?

Eric: They actually moved me back to third base[from shortstop], so adjusting back to that would probably be the biggest thing.

VCUathletics.com: Rumors have this year’s unanimous number one pick Stephen Strasburg asking for a bonus of close to $50 million. What would you do with a bonus like that?

Eric: [Laughs] I wouldn’t be working where I’m at today [Laughs some more]. I would’ve probably tried to invest it for the long term.

Brian Marshall, Boston Red Sox, 2003

VCUathletics.com: Where were you when you got the news you had been drafted?

Brian: I was actually at my parent’s house with some friends, family and my brother Sean along with our adviser at the time. Back then the draft wasn’t televised so we were all huddled around the computer listening for both Sean and me to be picked up.

VCUathletics.com: What was your first reaction after you received the call?

Brian: Actually it’s kind of fun because it was more shocking to me. Most of the experts had Sean going a little ahead of me and so I had actually gotten up to grab a drink from the kitchen and I hear someone yell, “Uh, Brian, I think they just called your name.” Next thing you know, Jeff Zona [former VCU player and current Boston Red Sox area scout] called and told me I had been drafted.

VCUathletics.com: So I’m guessing there was a celebration dinner with the family afterwards… where did everyone chow down?

Brian: I was actually right in the middle of moving out of my house on campus, so we just hung around the house for a little bit to celebrate and had a quick bite as a family, but then we had to get back to our house on Grace Street and finish up packing. I was able to relax and enjoy it a little more later in the night with some close friends.

VCUathletics.com: Biggest adjustment you had to make in your first week of pro ball?

Brian: Those ridiculous Boston/New England accents was the first thing. It was kind of funny because I had just moved out of my college house and where I was first assigned to short-season ball, I had to stay in college dorms, so I had to adjust back to that lifestyle a little bit. As far as baseball, it was really just a mindset of this was now my job. It was a stricter workout regiment and really 24/7 you were thinking about or working on your game.

VCUathletics.com: Rumors have this year’s unanimous number one pick Stephen Strasburg asking for a bonus of close to $50 million. What would you do with a bonus like that?

Brian: [Laughs] After I got done jumping for joy and hoping not to hurt myself doing it, I would probably buy a nice house and car, then make sure all my family and friends were taken care of and in good situations.

Cla Meredith, Boston Red Sox, 2004

VCUathletics.com: Where were you when you got the news you had been drafted?

Cla: I was actually hanging around with a good buddy of mine, Justin Tatro. We were just relaxing at our apartment on Monument Ave.

VCUathletics.com: What was your first reaction after you received the call?

Cla: It’s really tough to describe, but I think gratifying would probably sum it up the best. Of course you’re happy and very excited about it, but there is an element of relief because of all the hard work and dedication that went into. Knowing that everything finally came together, it was awesome.

VCUathletics.com: So I’m guessing there was a celebration dinner with the family afterwards… where did everyone chow down?

Cla: It was a pretty quick process for me really. Some family and friends gathered at my parent’s house and Jeff Zona came over to wheel and deal with us before I signed the contract and enjoyed a nice dinner at my parent’s house. Two days later, I was on my way to low-A ball in Augusta, Ga.

VCUathletics.com: Biggest adjustment you had to make in your first week of pro ball?

Cla: Getting to know my teammates was probably my biggest adjustment. Most guys who are drafted are sent to short-season ball where everyone is getting their first taste of the big leagues all at the same time. The Red Sox had told me that if I signed quick they would try and move me up the ladder quick as well and they followed through by sending me to low-A ball right away. Most of my teammates there had already been through at least one season and they knew each other already, and I was “the new guy” to everyone. So that was a big adjustment for me.

VCUathletics.com: Rumors have this year’s unanimous number one pick Stephen Strasburg asking for a bonus of close to $50 million. What would you do with a bonus like that?

Cla: It’s funny because I remember thinking back in ’04 when I got drafted in the sixth round that my bonus money then made me set for life. Obviously, I was much younger then and didn’t know what I do now, but thanks to my family and friends forming a strong support group they steered me in the right direction. I actually went out and bought a nice car for myself, but it was a nice, used car, so I was trying to set the tone for myself right away by not wasting the money.

Sergio Miranda, Chicago White Sox, 2007

VCUathletics.com: Where were you when you got the news you had been drafted?

Sergio: I was back in Puerto Rico with my family. We were all huddled around the computer following the draft at our house.

VCUathletics.com: What was your first reaction after you received the call?

Sergio: Playing pro ball was a dream of mine ever since I started playing the game, so I was so excited, but nervous all at the same time. I can’t even really begin to try and explain the feeling.

VCUathletics.com: So I’m guessing there was a celebration dinner with the family afterwards… where did everyone chow down?

Sergio: We all went out to a nice restaurant down in Puerto Rico, but it was even better when I was able to get together with all my friends that also got drafted and we all went out to celebrate. It was a great night for all of us.

VCUathletics.com: Biggest adjustment you had to make in your first week of pro ball?

Sergio: Actually I feel like I got adjusted pretty quick. The wood bats would be really the only thing, everything else was the same.

VCUathletics.com: Rumors have this year’s unanimous number one pick Stephen Strasburg asking for a bonus of close to $50 million. What would you do with a bonus like that?

Sergio: WOW. That’s all I have to say. I know he’s a good pitcher and all, but he hasn’t proven anything at the pro level yet. From what I’ve seen, he’s a great pitcher and should be able to help the team that picks him.