How many nationally recognized Murfreesboroers can you name? You could probably count them on one hand.
Well, a very talented Murfreesboro baseball player has stepped onto the national stage recently.
On June 7, 2007, one Blackman High School alumnus made headlines (and history for Murfreesboro) when the Tampa Bay Devil Rays selected him as their first-round draft pick, making David Price the first overall pick in the MLB draft.
He’s one hell of a pitcher and his awards include Dick Howser Trophy Winner, Golden Spikes Award Winner, First-Team All-American by Collegiate Baseball, SEC Male Athlete of the Year, SEC Pitcher of the Year, and First Team All-SEC, just to name a few.
“He’s got everything going for him,” says former Vanderbilt teammate Ryan Mullins. “He has a good work ethic, a good head, and he’s just a great player.”
Price decided to attend Vanderbilt University because he wanted his family and friends to be able to watch him play college ball. His dedicated parents and brothers came to nearly all of his games. In addition to the family support, the fact that U.S. News & World Report voted Vandy the 18th best National University couldn’t have hurt in his selection process.
But somehow I don’t think his sociology degree will get much use after graduation. He has no problem with this, as professional baseball has been his main goal and a lifetime project.
Price began playing ball in his back yard at 2 and a half years old. So around the time the rest of us were barely walking, Price was working the nascent stages of his 95-mph fastball.
With his fastball polished and nearly perfect, Price was a big deal at Vanderbilt, but he’ll have to play the part of new guy on the team when he moves on.
Is he nervous about it? Not a bit.
“You gotta work your way back up. It’s a challenge I’m looking forward to,” says Price of becoming the low man on the proverbial totem pole.
With the exception of playing amazing baseball, Price is a pretty normal guy. He watches “The Family Guy” and “Fresh Prince” whenever he gets a break from training and lists skydiving as his craziest ambition.
Speaking of crazy, I asked Price about the weirdest jeer he’s ever gotten while on the mound. During an evening game in Alabama, one spectator yelled, “Are you not used to pitching at night or what?” Considering that he plays many games at night, Price found this somewhat odd.
He’s not sure when he’ll start playing in Tampa and he hasn’t even graduated yet, but keep an eye out for him baseball fans. The Rays expect him to make an impact.
