Brewerfan.net Interviews Matt LaPorta

645 · October 8th, 2007, 07:32 PM

Many people were surprised to hear Matt LaPorta's name called with the Brewers first-round pick on draft day, but his accolades while playing for the University of Florida certainly warranted the selection.

A talented catcher coming out of high school, selected by the Chicago Cubs in the 14th round of the 2003 draft, LaPorta decided to honor his commitment to Florida where he was named the SEC player of the year twice in his career, carried the Gators to a second place finish in the 2005 College World Series and finished his collegiate career with the ninth most home runs in NCAA Division I history.

In addition to LaPorta's ability on the field and at the plate, he receives high marks for his character and makeup off the field with a strong work ethic and desire to be a positive role model. He received the Daniel J. Silva Sportsmanship Award as voted by the umpires of the Cape Cod League after the summer of 2006 which exemplified his professional and enthusiastic approach to the game.

Currently a member of the West Virginia Power, power is LaPorta's calling card, and a week before he made his professional debut with the Helena Brewers, in which he hit a towering home run in his first at-bat off of former teammate Bryan Augenstein, he talked me about his approach at the plate, his career at Florida, moving from first base to the outfield and his aspirations for the future.

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October 8th, 2007, 07:32 PM	#1 (permalink)
645 Moderator Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Milwaukee Posts: 6,347	Brewerfan.net Interviews Matt LaPorta Many people were surprised to hear Matt LaPorta's name called with the Brewers first-round pick on draft day, but his accolades while playing for the University of Florida certainly warranted the selection. A talented catcher coming out of high school, selected by the Chicago Cubs in the 14th round of the 2003 draft, LaPorta decided to honor his commitment to Florida where he was named the SEC player of the year twice in his career, carried the Gators to a second place finish in the 2005 College World Series and finished his collegiate career with the ninth most home runs in NCAA Division I history. In addition to LaPorta's ability on the field and at the plate, he receives high marks for his character and makeup off the field with a strong work ethic and desire to be a positive role model. He received the Daniel J. Silva Sportsmanship Award as voted by the umpires of the Cape Cod League after the summer of 2006 which exemplified his professional and enthusiastic approach to the game. Currently a member of the West Virginia Power, power is LaPorta's calling card, and a week before he made his professional debut with the Helena Brewers, in which he hit a towering home run in his first at-bat off of former teammate Bryan Augenstein, he talked me about his approach at the plate, his career at Florida, moving from first base to the outfield and his aspirations for the future. Brewerfan.net - Article