Kevin Cornelius Transitioning To Power Player

  It's 2013, the weekend of the MLB draft, and back at home in Weatherford, Texas, Kevin Cornelius gets the call that he's joining the New York Yankees organization.

  "My parents broke down a little bit and there were tears," Cornelius said. "It's a dream come true and something you look forward to your entire life. It was a great day."

  It was the second time the Bronx Bombers had taken a look at Cornelius who was also drafted in the 42nd round of the 2011 draft but decided to go to college first. He originally focused on Texas Christian University before deciding on Grayson County College out of Denison, Texas.

     "In college I played short and third. Grayson has a huge tradition of baseball and they've won a lot of championships. The coaching staff seemed to be really down to earth and good with players," Cornelius said. "I couldn't have asked for a better coaching staff there. My two years there were amazing and it was probably the closest team I've ever been on so far."

     When the Yankees came calling again, Cornelius signed and spent his first season between the two Yankees' teams in the Gulf Coast League before working his way up the farm system. Cornelius said he has focused on making adjustments each step of the way.

     "This is my third season and I've changed a lot as a player. I think I didn't come in as much as a power player but I'd say that's what I've transitioned into now," Cornelius said. "I've grown a little bit and gotten bigger. I'm trying to take every day as a new day and take it all in and experience it."

     One unique experience was down in Tampa, Florida, home of the New York Yankees spring training facility and the team's other home base besides New York City. Cornelius worked out with current Yankees' power players Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez.

     "Both of them were hurt at the same time. Whenever they needed someone, I'd go in on my off days and work out with them so they could have off-reps. They'd take a rep and then I'd take a rep," Cornelius said. "Jeter's my favorite player so it was special for me. He's an awesome guy and a great person to talk to. He probably doesn't remember my name now but I remember. It was pretty amazing."

      With the new season underway, Cornelius looks to work his way up to the majors by improving in Pulaski.

     "You have to put your work in every day like it's your first day and do that to the end of the season," Cornelius said. "There's a ton of new guys this year and everybody seems to be great. We're meshing well in the clubhouse. I just want to keep playing well with these guys and help my team win."