ALEX RODRIGUEZ – 1993 MWWL DRAFT #1 PICK

It might as well just be called the A-Rod Draft, for the 1994 Mid-West Winter League Draft will forever be remembered for being Alex Rodriguez‘s ascension into the MWWL.

But, then, A-Rod was nothing if not a can’t-miss prospect coming out of this draft.   The amateur baseball community took notice, making him a finalist for the Golden Spikes Award — a rarity for a high school player. The professional baseball community definitely knew all about Rodriguez as he matured into one of the best prospects scouts had seen in some time.

He is a player with all the tools, evidenced by his  body type and fielding presence at shortstop that reminded so many of Cal Ripken Jr.

With all that going for him, A-Rod was already mature enough to know he had the Corktown Owner Chris Demecurio in his pocket, and he knew how to handle it.
“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime situation,” Demecurio said prior to the draft. “If I stopped and looked at all the positives I might stumble. He’s only 18 so I’ll enjoy every moment of his career.  He will and play hard and play to win.”

After a few ups and downs, Rodriguez will be a big-league star for good starting in 1996.
The rest is history. Or, more precise, history in the making.

But there is no denying Rodriguez will put up some of the most eye-popping numbers in the long history of the Mid-West Winter League. No other top overall pick can match his resume, tarnished or not.