Arizona-born D-backs prospect could become first homegrown player

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 28 Oct, 03:02 · Archive

Demetrio Crisantes, 22, could become the first player born in Arizona and drafted by the Diamondbacks out of high school to play for the major league club.

In nearly three decades of existence, the Arizona Diamondbacks have never had a player born in Arizona and drafted by the team out of high school play for their major league club. Demetrio Crisantes, the team's top prospect, could become the first. The 22-year-old is currently playing in the Arizona Fall League at Salt River Field and could play at Chase Field next year.

Crisantes learned to hit in Nogales, a border town three hours south of Phoenix. His father, Miguel Crisantes, who never played baseball himself, taught his son the sport by studying how players like Derek Jeter, Pete Rose and Ichiro batted. Miguel built a makeshift L screen from PVC pipes and plastic mesh in his home to help his son practise.

After Demetrio broke a window at home during practice, Miguel converted space in a produce warehouse he owned into batting cages and weights. 'I told him, are you sure you really want to do this? Are you committed 100%?' Miguel said. 'And to my surprise, he was committed 1,000%, because they were always there.'

How it is being reported

• Arizona-born D-backs prospect could be club’s first homegrown playerIn the nearly three decades the Arizona Diamondbacks have existed, no player born in Arizona and drafted by the team out of high school has played for the major league club.Azfamily · 27 Oct, 23:45
• Arizona-born D-backs prospect could be club’s first homegrown playerIn the nearly three decades the Arizona Diamondbacks have existed, no player born in Arizona and drafted by the team out of high school has played for the major league club.KOLD · 27 Oct, 23:45

In this story: Demetrio Crisantes · Arizona Diamondbacks · Miguel Crisantes · Arizona · Nogales · Chase Field

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