Red Sox
Patriots
Celtics
Bruins
Revolution
Sox draft Michael Yastrzemski
Someday in the distant future, there might just be another Yaz in the Red Sox outfield.
The last name, of course, isn't just familiar in New England. It's legendary. He is the grandson of Red Sox icon and Baseball Hall of Famer Carl Yastrzemski.
The Globe's Stan Grossfeld detailed the baseball-oriented relationship between Yaz and his grandson in a February article.
Carl Yastrzemski has tutored his grandson on the art of hitting, particularly since his son and Michael's father, Mike Yastrzemski, died at age 44 in 2004 from a heart attack after hip surgery.
"I think he's got a chance [to eventually play in the majors]," Yaz told Grossfeld. "He can hit. He's a good outfielder, he runs well, and he's got a strong arm. He's come a long way."
Ray Fagnant, the New England regional scout for the Red Sox, told Grossfeld in February that he was impressed with the youngest Yaz.
"I went to a tournament in Lynn and I saw a kid have two or three good at-bats in a row," said Fagnant. "I didn't know who he was. I didn't know Yaz had a grandson. And I got a roster and I said, 'Whoa, Yastrzemski.' The name really perks your interest, but what I like is I identified him before I knew who he was.
"He has a good swing and good instincts and he works at it," says the scout. "He's got a pretty good hitting coach. Yaz had an ear-to-ear smile on his face when his grandson was hitting. He's got a lot of ability, but there's a lot of kids in his boat. We just have to see him play."
Yastrzemski, 18, stands 5-foot-11 and weighs 185 pounds. He was considered by scouts to be worthy of an early-round selection, but he has received a scholarship to play baseball at Vanderbilt University and has said the only way he would back out of his commitment was if he was drafted in the first round. But a chance to sign with the Red Sox may be difficult to resist if the club's intent is to try to sign him now.
"It's going to be a tough decision [if I get drafted]," said Michael in February. "Most likely I'll go to school. I'd play anywhere. Obviously, I'm going to get my grandfather's advice."
Yaz admitted to Grossfeld that he hoped the Sox would select his grandson.
"If the opportunity presents itself," he said.
Thursday, the opportunity did. Now it's up to the Yastrzemskis to decide what to do with it.
(Editor's note: Check out profiles of many of the Red Sox' draftees here.)
The Sox HAD to draft him. Imagine the riots and looting if they hadn't.
YEAH WELL HE DID COMPETE TO COMPETE ;BUT HE HAD THE INSIDE TRACK AS THE SCOUT WAS MENTALLY IMPRESSED HE WAS yaz'S GRANDSON.
YEAH WELL HE DID COMPETE TO COMPETE ;BUT HE HAD THE INSIDE TRACK AS THE SCOUT WAS MENTALLY IMPRESSED HE WAS yaz'S GRANDSON.
So glad to hear about mike. I coached his dad mike in lynnfield in pony league. his mother (nancy ) was at every game. I was young ~played all the kids, such a great kid.
During the lock-out yaz saw his son play once. I asked mike if he wanted to pitch. Mike said yes and I did let him pitch while dad was watching.
I hope his son is as nice as mike was.
Nice story.
I hope the kid makes it. It would turn into a GREAT story given the tragedy of his father's premature death, which occurred right around the time of what should have been Yaz's great joy: the first Red Sox World Series win in 86 years.
Sounds like a great kid; and his I'm sure his Grandpa will keep him in line. I just hope people don't put too many expectations on the young man based on his heritage. Good luck Mike and RedSox Nation is behind you all the way.
sign Kid--you can always go back to school for the degree--many are doing it online.
sign Kid--you can always go back to school for the degree--many are doing it online.
GO TO VANDERBILT. I go to Emory University where fun/sports/school spirit DIE and I forever regret chosing Emory over Vanderbilt. Vandy is an awesome school, an amazing time, amazing girls, and a great baseball program. You'll go to the pro's later. Enjoy college while you still can!
Imagine if Michael Yastrzemski were to make it all the way to the Red Sox, and the ballclub...with Yaz' permission...un-retired Number 8 so Michael could wear it?
What a sight that would be!
At 5' 11" and 185, Michael is just about the same size as his grandfather was during his playing career. Moreover, the Sox' home uniforms are virtually identical to those worn by Yaz while he played.
The similarities would be incredible. Oh, how I'd like to see this happen...for the Yastrzemski's and for all Red Sox fans.
Overrated..... didn't even get catholic conference allstarrrr, thats too bad, people just like the name
Overrated..... didn't even get catholic conference allstarrrr, thats too bad, people just like the name
Would love to see Carl's Michael Yaz' make it to the big club.
Huge fan of Yaz, even named my Boston Terrier after him. We call him Yaz.
Here we go again!
To the younger Yaz,
Go to school. The Red Sox aren't going anywhere, and if they liked what they see now, they will like it still watching you grow in college. You have a legacy behind you, talent, and a chance that few people receive. Take the path that can take you anywhere you want to go...a scholarship to a fine school can lead you in any path you choose.
Just my two cents...
Yaz's son did not die from a heart attack and after his death details emerged which embarassed Capt. Carl. The Globe should do its jounalistic duty and report the facts
Go to college young man....go to college!!!
I think its great. No risk draft choice.
How great would it be to have a new Yaz in LF?
First, I want to congratulate young Mike Yastrzemski on getting drafted by the Red Sox. I know he has a scholarship to Vanderbilt, and I'm sure whatever path he chooses (Vanderbilt or the Red Sox) will be the right one for him.
Second, I want to correct something that one of the bloggers posted about Yaz's son, Michael's untimely death in September 2004. Yes, he did die from complications following hip surgery, but the "embarrasment" came when it was discovered that Michael stole his father's identity during the last few years of his life. Also, media reports have Michael's age at death as 44, but this is incorrect. Every Red Sox Yearbook I own from 1978-1983 states that Michael's DOB was Aug. 16, 1961, which would have made him 43, not 44 at the time of his death in
September 2004. In any event, I hope to see young Mike play in the majors one
day, and I hope and pray that Yaz will be with us to see it, as well.
Michael, your instincts were right. If you were a high draft pick, I'd go for The Red Sox. But you were a sentimental pick. Go to Vanderbilt. If you're good enough, you can go to the majors after you graduate.
I hope his Grandpa convinces him to sign with the Sox, I'd love to see him playing here in Lowell for the Spinners.
36th round, go to Vanderbilt...a name doesn't get you a spot on the roster
God, people are so MEAN. Good luck Michael - live your dreams!
Michael's father always told him to go to college first! I remember very clearly, Mike was a wonderful friend of mine. We use to do many things with young Mike,and that is something I will I hope MA takes to heart. Those days are very precious to me. They were amazing together! Mike always love to do things with his son especially sports stuff, his dad and his mentor. Good Luck MA with Love Liz
played against this kid and he hit a homerun to dead center off us. lost 17-1 at the prep. best of luck yaz
I watched Carl from my grandfather's lap in Maine. I was born on January 8th. So you guessed it my number is #8. I graduated with a BS in Marketing from Florida State and a MBA from Bryant University which broght me back to NE.
I am a single dad with two sons, one in college and one with me still in High School (Captain at hi school just like his brother).
I worked as an International Banking industry for the past 20 years.
Let hope the Sox continue to keep the Yankees down this year.
Mike,
Look into your heart and think about what you really want in life. If you want to play, then play. If you want to go to school, then do that. Whatever your decision is, just don't ever regret "the road not taken." Life is too short for "shoulda', woulda', couldas'." Growing into the fine young man that I'm sure you are, that's the thing that makes Carl and the rest of your family so proud of you.
I coached Mike Yastrzemski's dad at Cardinal Gibbons High School in Fort Lauderdale from his sophomore year onward. Of the thousands of ballplayers I coached over the years, none worked harder at the game than did Mike Sr. He was always proud to wear the number "8" despite the fact that every time he stepped up to the plate the opposing pitcher would target him and bear down so that he could boast someday that he "got Yaz out." He was a class act and set the pace for what one can do with the tools he is given in life.
HI MIKE,I'M GOING TOO TELL YOU WHAT I THINK AND WHY.I WAS PITCHER IN THE MINORS FOR THREE YEARS.THE ONLY THING I MISS ABOUT BASEBALL IS THOSE DAMM BUSES !!!! GO TO SCHOOL,YOU CAN LEARN AS MUCH IF NOT MORE WITH COLLEGE TRAINING.I MENT YOUR GRANDFATHER MANY TIMES,HE'S A GREAT MAN ON AND OFF THE FIELD. THINK ABOUT IT!!! JEFF L. P.S. AND NO BUSES
Will Yaz unretire number 8 so that he can wear it?
@Bat Insider
browse this blog
by category