Where Are They Now: Max Sapp

TROY, N.Y. - The transition to professional baseball is always a difficult one. Players work for years hoping to someday reach the pinnacle of baseball and make the major leagues. As an 18-year old, number one selection, Max Sapp came to the ValleyCats to start his professional career in 2006, quickly becoming a fan favorite.

The left-handed hitting catcher participated in 50 games for the ValleyCats in 2006, hitting .229 in his first professional season. Sapp also contributed one home run and 20 RBIs in his only season in the New York-Penn League.

Sapp reported to Lexington in 2007, where he remained in 2008 as well. In 2007, Sapp enjoyed his most productive of his three minor league seasons, hitting .241 with 23 doubles and 32 RBIs. Last season, Sapp hit .200 in 74 games with the Legends, hitting a career-best four home runs.

Sapp had a personal health scare in December 2008. Sapp was admitted to the hospital with viral meningitis where he was placed in intensive care. Sapp suffered from an apparent seizure after and workout on December 11. Sapp spent the Holidays hospitalized before being released on January 11.