Staples’ Knight drafted by Yanks
Chad Knight’s first memory of the New York Yankees was when they reduced him to tears following their loss to Cleveland in the 2007 ALDS.
Born out of that childhood anguish was a lifelong fan in Knight, who saw his Yankees win the World Series two years later.
On Wednesday afternoon, Knight’s love of the pinstripes grew even greater when the Yankees selected him in the 31st round of the Major League Baseball amateur draft.
“It’s surreal. It is such an unbelievable honor,” Knight said. “The Yankees meant so much to me growing up as a fan. This is an unbelievable feeling.”
Knight is signed to play at Duke, but is nonetheless humbled by having his name called by the Yankees.
“There have been some conversations with them, but when I got the call they were picking me I still couldn’t believe it,” Knight said. “I am forever in debt to the entire Yankees organization for drafting me. Especially knowing the history of that organization and what it has meant to me as a fan. It’s an honor and I am so excited.”
Despite his prowess on the mound, the Yankees drafted Knight as a catcher.
Knight is having quite a month.
He was named the Connecticut Gatorade Player of the Year, won the FCIAC championship with Staples and the night before he was drafted, pitched a three-hit
shutout, striking out 10 against Cheshire in the CIAC Class LL semifinals.
Staples will play Saturday for the LL state championship against Southington.
As a sophomore, Knight and the Wreckers won the Class LL championship.
On Tuesday, Stephen Paolini of St. Joseph was selected by the Atlanta Braves in the fifth round of the draft.
Montana Semmel of Westhill was picked by the Yankees with their pick in the 36th round and Bobby Zmarzlak of Westhill was taken by Baltimore in the 40th round, making four FCIAC players taken so far in the draft.