Naquin's Success Has Been in All Places
Carolina Mudcats outfielder and first round draft pick Tyler Naquin has begun the 2013 campaign with a blazing fast start but that doesn't seem to be anything new for the young prospect.
At the age of three, Naquin started his baseball career in his hometown of Spring, Texas. A church league composed of orange cones as bases and the pastor and fathers showing the first year players fundamentals; he learned the game and started his quest to the big leagues.
"At Spring Baptist Church in Spring, Texas, they decided to put together a first year tee ball league and the pastor got some of the other fathers to come and coach. They threw down some orange bases and now I'm here." Naquin said.
When it came time for Naquin to figure out if he had a career in baseball, he let his playing speak.
Naquin did not bat less than .440 his entire high school career at Klein Collins High School in Spring. Almost any award that was available to win in the Houston area for a baseball player, he has in his possession, in addition to all-state awards.
Following his spectacular high school career, the Baltimore Orioles drafted Naquin in the 33rd round. With a large decision on his mind, he passed on the opportunity to head into the professional ranks, and took his talents to College Station, Texas, to play for the Texas A&M Aggies.
"It is unexplainable to explain how it is (at Texas A&M) unless you play at that school. There are a lot of good schools out there but I think that's the best decision I have ever made."
While in College Station, the Aggies were able to win two consecutive Big 12 Championships with Naquin in right field. The team earned trips to two NCAA regional tournaments, one of which was hosted by the Aggies in College Station.
"In the Big 12 you play against teams like Texas, Baylor, and Texas Tech but you also play the Conference USA schools like Rice. You're playing a Friday night starter on your Saturdays and Sundays sometimes," said Naquin.
Naquin was able to insert himself into the starting lineup in right field for the Aggies his freshmen year for the final 30 games of the season, hitting .326 over the last 12 games and .316 in the Big 12 Championship tournament.
The end of the season that propelled Naquin into the starting lineup in 2010 put him on the fast track to a spectacular year in 2011. With high expectations on shoulders, he did not disappoint putting together an All-American season.
Batting .381 with 104 hits, 23 doubles, and 44 RBI's, Naquin was named Big 12 Player of the Year and put together a memorable cycle on March 6 against the University of Houston in Minute Maid Park, home of the Houston Astros.
When it came time for the Aggies to succeed in the 2011 regional, Naquin continued to perform at a first round draft pick level with four multi-hit games and was named Tournament Outstanding Player and All-Tournament team.
"Playing in conferences like the Big 12 and the SEC prepares you for so much. Many people compare those leagues to Double-A arms. I feel that if you play hard and soak it all in, then you can be where you want to be, and I feel that I am where I want to be," said Naquin.
2011 would propel Naquin to the top of many MLB teams draft boards, including the Cleveland Indians.
With the 15th pick in the 2012 MLB draft, the Indians called Naquin's name. He signed and found himself on his way to Niles, Ohio, with the Short-Season Mahoning Valley Scrappers to start his journey to the big leagues.
"Draft day was definitely emotional. I got my phone call about a minute before my pick just talking and saying it was a possibility. All of a sudden I looked at my brother and gave him a wink with about 45 seconds left until my pick. My family wanted to have the camera ready and I just wanted it to be a surprise. It was a roller coaster. I just started crying." Naquin said. "Only one word can describe it. Amazing."
Naquin hit .270 and 11 doubles with the Scrappers following the draft to start off his minor league campaign.
With his first full pro season underway, the Indians prospect has had a quick start in the batters box, hitting .347 with a homerun and six runs batted in. Naquin's fielding has also been able to keep eyes on the young outfielder with his blazing speed and great glove.
It has been a long journey for the Texas native. Starting with the Awesome Ducks of Spring, Texas, and now to the Carolina Mudcats, the future looks bright for the young outfielder to keep climbing the latter of success.