The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

Less than a week after he was drafted for the second time into Major League Baseball, Bahamian outfielder Todd Isaacs Jr made his entrance into the MLB official when he signed his contract with the Cleveland Indians.

Flanked by Indians personnel, agents, government representatives, family, friends and baseball enthusiasts, Isaacs signed with the franchise during a press conference at the Atlantis resort yesterday.

He was chosen by the Cleveland Indians in the 19th round as the 574th selection on June 3, following a critically acclaimed year with the Palm Beach State Community College Panthers.

“It’s a special occasion not just for me but for baseball in the Bahamas. It’s all business now, going on the field and getting ready for the major leagues. I’m thankful for the opportunity and I’m ready to go,” Isaacs said. “Dreams really do come true. You just have to be ready when it’s your time. Tough times are always ahead but it’s overcoming adversity that defines character. Life is a process but we have to continue to work toward our goals and control what we can. I’d like to thank God with the opportunity for me to take my talent to another level.”

Isaacs, who learned to play the game in the Freedom Farm Baseball League, thanked its founder Senator Greg Burrows and the players who came before him, including Antoan Richardson, Greg Burrows Jr, Geron Sands, Albert Cartwright and others.

“If it wasn’t for you guys going off to school and playing baseball who would have known if this day would have happened,” he said. “An old African proverb said it takes a village to raise a child and I’d just like to thank everyone that was involved in this process. I want to thank my parents. You always say you’re proud of me but today I’m proud of you. You guys, trusted me five years ago to let me grow up and go on my own. I’m proud of you guys for allowing me to be myself and grow into the man I am today.”

In 2014, Isaacs was drafted by the Toronto Bluejays in round 22 at No.654 but opted to attend Palm Beach State rather than pursue the club’s farm system directly out of high school. In 57 games with the Panthers, Isaacs hit .330 with 40 runs scored, 30 RBI and 31 stolen bases.

His 60-yard dash has been timed in 6.1 seconds, ranking him among the fastest runners on any level of collegiate baseball.

Juan Alvarez, Latin American cross-checker and South Florida area scout, said the franchise is eager to witness Isaacs’ development as a player.

“I’m very excited to have Todd as a part of our organisation. I’ve followed Todd for the last two years and there’s a few things that attracted not just myself but other scouts to Todd. Obviously his speed, which many people think is ranked at the top from the big leagues all the way down to the minor leagues. That’s something that’s very important and part of his game, but also he’s a true centrefielder. It’s a premium position in this game. He can really cover both gaps with ease and it makes it easier for right and left fielders to play their position. He also has the ability to get on base and steal bases and obviously that’s something we look to utilise,” he said. “We can’t wait to develop him, get him to the big leagues and get started with this process.”

Senator Greg Burrows said it is the fulfilment of a dream to witness young Bahamians receive opportunities year after year through the sport of baseball.

“Freedom Farm has fulfilled many of the dreams I have had and now we are building on it. In short order you will see other Freedom Farm young men sign professional contracts. I am pleased to see the coaches and families and friends of Todd here to support him and I have to congratulate him on behalf of the Freedom Farm programme and everyone that has contributed to his success,” he said. “I know for sure, Todd’s attitude, his work habits, things he received from his family, friends, and particularly from Freedom Farm will steer him well on this path. I am sure Todd will do us proud and I look forward to seeing more of this.”

The 2015 Draft was the third consecutive year a Bahamian was selected by an MLB franchise.

In 2013, Champ Stuart was selected out of Brevard College by the New York Mets in the sixth round with the 176th pick.

In 2014, Isaacs was one of three players selected along with graduating high school seniors Anfernee Seymour and Byron Murray.

Seymour was selected with the 197th pick in round seven by the Miami Marlins while Murray was taken in round No.25 with the 748th pick by the San Francisco Giants.