LaPorta ready for transition

645 · November 18th, 2007, 06:14 PM

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Learning a new position is never easy. There's worrying about payroll, taxes, taking inventory and setting up sales meetings. But these are the things Matt LaPorta will have to deal with as he makes his transition.
Doesn't sound much like baseball, though, does it? Oh, sure, LaPorta is learning a new position on the field, switching from first base to the outfield after the Brewers made him the seventh overall pick in the 2007 First-Year Player Draft. With Prince Fielder likely to be at first in Milwaukee for the next decade or so, LaPorta had to switch positions.

But that's not the only move the University of Florida product is making these days. A bright, engaging young man, LaPorta is also entering the business world, making the switch from baseball player to entrepreneur. LaPorta is teaming up with former Florida teammate and Cubs prospect Brian Leclerc to start their own wholesale diamond business in the Sunshine State.

Minor League Baseball: News: Article

645 · November 20th, 2007, 06:15 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.

Brewerfan.net - Article

November 18th, 2007, 06:14 PM	#1 (permalink)
645 Moderator Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Milwaukee Posts: 6,347	LaPorta ready for transition SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Learning a new position is never easy. There's worrying about payroll, taxes, taking inventory and setting up sales meetings. But these are the things Matt LaPorta will have to deal with as he makes his transition. Doesn't sound much like baseball, though, does it? Oh, sure, LaPorta is learning a new position on the field, switching from first base to the outfield after the Brewers made him the seventh overall pick in the 2007 First-Year Player Draft. With Prince Fielder likely to be at first in Milwaukee for the next decade or so, LaPorta had to switch positions. But that's not the only move the University of Florida product is making these days. A bright, engaging young man, LaPorta is also entering the business world, making the switch from baseball player to entrepreneur. LaPorta is teaming up with former Florida teammate and Cubs prospect Brian Leclerc to start their own wholesale diamond business in the Sunshine State. Minor League Baseball: News: Article

November 20th, 2007, 06:15 PM	#2 (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