Inside Pitch Student Signs Pro Contract

MPC's MacDonald signs with Marlins
By DENNIS TAYLOR
Monterey Herald Staff Writer

Mitch MacDonald, who shattered school records on his way to All-Coast Conference and all-state recognition this year for Monterey Peninsula College, has signed a professional baseball contract with the Florida Marlins.

MacDonald, an infielder, said Saturday he has accepted an offer from the Marlins that includes a signing bonus, plus two years of paid college education after his baseball career ends for a six figure total.

"I was headed to San Jose State next year (on a full scholarship), but I think every baseball player dreams of playing at the professional level," MacDonald said. "I get it now, and it could be my only shot, you know? They gave me a good deal, and I get school paid for afterward so I can still get my degree, so it worked out really nice."

MacDonald batted .424 for the Lobos this season, with 16 doubles, a triple and 12 home runs in 42 games. He drove in 49 runs and walked 38 times. MacDonald had a .546 on-base percentage and a .781 slugging percentage, leading the team in all of the aforementioned categories.

"He's the best hitter I've coached here, point blank," said Lobos coach Daniel Phillips. "Mitch broke every single record at MPC - RBIs, hits in a season, on-base percentage, slugging percentage. He was just a great hitter for us."

"They told me they're going to use me as a second baseman, which is fine," said MacDonald, a third baseman and first baseman at MPC. "I grew up playing second base in high school, and my height (5-foot-11) and my build (195 pounds) really kind of lends itself to that position. I feel comfortable there, so it shouldn't be too hard of a transition."

MacDonald, a left-handed hitter, played his high school baseball at Archbishop M.C. O'Neill High School in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, where he was voted Most Valuable Player in his league. As a freshman at MPC he earned All-Coast Conference and All-NorCal honors, and also was voted "Offensive Player of the Year" by his teammates. His first-year statistics at MPC included a .413 batting average, a .516 on-base percentage, and a .560 slugging percentage. He pounded 17 doubles, a triple and a home run for the Lobos in 2006, driving in 13 runs, and was taken in the 46 rounds as a "draft-and-follow" player by the Marlins, who wanted to observe his progress for a year while they controlled his signing rights.

MacDonald is expected to report June 10 to the Marlins' rookie-league team in Jupiter, Fla. He joins former MPC players Daniel Barone and outfielder John Ramistella in the minor leagues.