A’s top pick Richie Martin arrives in Oakland
A’s top pick Richie Martin arrives in Oakland
Shortstop Richie Martin, the A’s top pick in the June draft, suited up for his new team Tuesday, taking batting practice and fielding grounders with the big-leaguers.
“Just to be in the locker room and meet guys like Ben Zobrist and Scott Kazmir, guys I grew up watching play, it’s a blessing to meet those guys,” said Martin, who is from Brandon, Fla., near Tampa.
The Cavaliers beat Martin’s Florida team in the first round en route to the College World Series title.
Martin said with a laugh, ‘Hey man, that’s rude.
The uniform was to his liking.
Martin, the 20th pick overall, signed with the team Tuesday and will report to short-season Class-A Vermont on Wednesday and play his first game with the Lake Monsters on Thursday.
Martin is likely to be in big-league camp next spring.
[...] he hopes it’s a short trip to the majors.
Martin’s parents were on hand to watch their son take part in pregame activities.
Deborah’s dad, Walter Lewis Thomas, played in the Negro Leagues, including four years with the storied Kansas City Monarchs, where teammates included Jackie Robinson and Satchel Paige.
Martin, 20, was a civil engineering major at Florida, and he did a little homework on the A’s before arriving.
The only thing I really knew was seeing the movie ‘Moneyball’ — I’m sure everyone around here is sick of that.
[...] after meeting general manager Billy Beane, how did he fit with the movie portrayal by Brad Pitt?
Susan Slusser is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer.
Venditte update:
Pat Venditte said he had no discomfort after his first day of catch since being put on the disabled list with a right shoulder strain June 11.