Sunday, June 12, 2016

In Person Autograph - Mickey Moniak

This post is a few days late, but for those who follow such things, Mickey Moniak was the first selection in the recent MLB player draft. The high school outfielder is said to not fit the mold of a typical #1 pick in terms of build and jaw dropping tools, but should still develop in to a quality big leaguer.


I was able to get Mickey to sign his '13 USA jersey card last year at Area Code Games in Long Beach. The card features him as part of the USA 15 and under team, but honestly, he looks more like 12 in the picture. Moniak really made his mark that week with the play below:


In front of a throng of scouts, Moniak went Willie Mays with his own version of an over the shoulder catch. Scouts by nature aren't the type to show their emotions, but even they stood up and applauded the effort.


Of course, this wouldn't be an In Person Autograph post without a UCLA connection. Moniak is committed to UCLA, but like so many of their other high profile recruits from years past, will likely never step foot on campus.