Every year the MLB draft seems to be littered with familiar names. Full of sons, brothers, nephews…the 2010 draft was no different.
Two months ago, the Houston Astros drafted Delino DeShields Jr. with their eighth overall pick. His father, selected with the 12th overall pick in 1987, played 13 seasons for five different teams.
Junior looks to start soon with his first.
“It’s a done deal everybody I’m officially an Astro wish me luck” was the message DeShields sent out to his friends on facebook Thursday.
Today…he’s taking part in the “Friday 5”.
HOVG: How does it feel knowing you just inked a deal to play pro ball?
DeSHIELDS: It’s a good feeling and definitely a relief. I’m just really happy that it’s over with. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I’m glad that God gave me the abilities to make it to this point
HOVG: Aside from your Dad…who was your biggest influence and why?
DeSHIELDS: I never really had an influence. I mean, I always wanted to be like my dad but other than that…no one else really influenced me
HOVG: Do you think the pressures to succeed are greater being the son of a former Major Leaguer?
DeSHIELDS: I think the pressures to succeed are definitely going to be hard because people are going to judge me, but that’s a part of the game and I’m not going to let anyone bring me down. I’m just going to go out every day, play my hardest and prove all of my doubters that I deserve to be in this organization
HOVG: What are you looking forward to the most in the pros?
DeSHIELDS: I’m looking for all of the free stuff honestly. (Laughs) I really won’t have to pay for my equipment anymore which is a relief.
HOVG: Let’s look into the future…what’ll be your walk up music?
DeSHIELDS: My walk up music? Well if I were to pick one now it would be “Ball All Day” by Roscoe Dash.
According to MLB Trade Rumors, the Astros gave DeShields $2.15 million signing bonus. He will report to the Astros’ team in the Gulf Coast League on Friday. The 17 year-old (he’ll turn 18 on August 16) is scheduled to stay there for a week before joining rookie level Greenville of the Appalachian League.
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