Moniak Taking Things One Step At A Time
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- It has not been a typical senior week for Mickey Moniak.
The top pick of the Major League Baseball Draft came to terms with the Phillies on a contract on Monday. Moniak spent part of the week in Philadelphia, and was formally introduced by the team on Tuesday afternoon. When his news conference ended, the former California High School product was getting ready to fly to Florida to play for the Phillies' Clearwater minor league squad.
It would be easy to understand if his classmates may have been a little jealous.
"It's slowly starting to sink in," said Moniak. "It was such an honor to be a number one draft pick. There's one every year. To be named with guys who have solidified themselves as great players is an honor."
Moniak is happy Philadelphia is where he will have his opportunity. The 18-year-old has a healthy respect for tradition, and understands what the franchise means to the Delaware Valley. Moniak is hoping to be part of the next generation of players which can change the Phillies' fortunes and turn them back into contenders.
"It's an honor to be in the city of Philadelphia," Moniak said. "I've got a few relatives here. I didn't know too much about the city other than the fact that their sports fans are some of the greatest in the world. It's a great organization to play for with a lot of history. I'm just excited to be a Phillie and to be a part of this organization."
Moniak hit .476 during his senior season at La Costa Canyon High School. He made a strong first impression during his first official day with the team. Phillies Director of Amateur Scouting Johnny Almaraz was equally impressed with Moniak the person as he was of Moniak the baseball player.
"He's everything our scouts reported that he is," said Almaraz. "He's a tremendous baseball player, but more than anything, he's a high character person. For us, that's key."
Moniak's journey to the majors begins this week in the Gulf Coast League. Moniak understands the lofty expectations which go with being the top pick in the draft. However, the California native insists his only focus is to improve each day on the field.
"I always look to get better as a baseball player any way I can," Moniak said. "I know my strengths and I want to add to those strengths. I hope to pick up more strengths as I mature through the process through the farm system. I'm just looking forward to getting better as a baseball player and hopefully helping this team win in the near future."