Former Bisons Pitcher Becomes Billionaire

After nine years of toiling in the minor leagues, including three seasons in Buffalo, former Herd pitcher Matt White has struck it rich. But it's not the diamonds he's played on, rather the stones in his backyard that have made him a billionaire.

White, 29, recently found out that there are 24 million tons of valuable stones on his 50-acre plot in Western Massachusetts. The stones are worth upward of $100 per ton, giving White's quarry an estimated value of over $2 billion.

"It sounds bogus even saying those numbers," said White in an interview with ESPN. "I'm just a small town guy trying to get to the big leagues. It's beyond comprehension."

White, originally a 15th round pick of the Indians in the 1998 draft, played for the Bisons in part of three seasons from 2002-2004. In 39 games with Buffalo, the southpaw was 4-5 with a 3.96ERA.

White bought the land three years ago for $50,000 from an elderly aunt who needed the money to pay for a nursing home. While clearing out some land to build a home, he discovered stone ledges in the ground. A geologist came to survey the land and gave White the good news.

The stones found are materials used for constructing sidewalks, patios, etc.

"I guess you could say the property is for sale," White told ESPN. "We'll have to see how things turn out. I don't even know where to start. I'm in the process now of getting in touch with business-savvy guys, finding out how much to ask."

White signed a minor league contract last December with the Dodgers. He has appeared in seven Major League games with the Boston Red Sox and the Washington Nationals.

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