When the pros were prospects
All-Stars recall Futures Game experiences.
Kris Bryant, Chicago Cubs first baseman
MIAMI— TreaTurner leaned back in his chair, rested his feet against the wooden locker and thought about July 12, 2015. And then he laughed.
“Aaron Judge, Kyle Schwarber, all those big-time guys,” Turner said. “It’s kinda crazy howfar a lot of us have come.”
Turner, the Washington Nationals shortstop who grew up in Boynton Beach, was reminiscing about his experience in AllStar Futures Game during a recent trip to Miami to face theMarlins.
Part of MLB’s All-Star week since 1999, the Futures Game showcases top minor leaguers in a United States vs. the World format. Its next edition will be played Sunday at 4 p.m. atMarlins Park.
Turner, a former standout at Park Vista Community High in Lake Worth, was far lesser knownwhenhe playedintheFutures Game two years ago in Cincinnati. But like many of the event’s participants through the years, he has seen his life change dramatically in the short time since.
Heading into this weekend, Turner was leading the majors with 35 stolen bases, despite being sidelined since June 29 after breaking his wrist when hit by a pitch.
“Itwas probably the first time I played in a big-league stadium,” Turner, 23, said of the
“Soak it all in, because not many people get a chance like this.”
Futures Game. “I’ve grown up a lot since then.”
Reigning National League MVP Kris Bryant has a similar feeling when thinking back to his appearance in the 2014 Futures Game.
“I’ve watched some video of my at-bats back then,” the Chicago Cubs third baseman said. “Like, really? That’s how I hit? It looks a little better now.”
Bryant still remembers the game fairly well. It was about 60 degrees and cloudy at Target Field in Minneapolis. He was nervous. He was worse at baseball. And he watched Noah Syndergaard pitch like an unpolished prospect.
“He was kinda raw back then,” Bryant said of the New York Mets’ fireballer. “Now he’s a superstar.”
The same can be said of many former Futures Game players. Even a number of last year’s participants — Boston’s Andrew Benintendi, Houston’s Alex Bregman, Atlanta’s Dansby Swanson and the Yankees’ Gary Sanchez, to name a few — have already become everyday players in the majors.
This year’s crop includes two members of the Marlins’ farm system — third baseman Brian Anderson will play for Team USA and Tayron Guerrero will pitch for TeamWorld.
The U.S. team will also feature outfielder Lewis Brinson, a Coral Springs High product from the Milwaukee Brewers’ organization, and catcher Zack Collins, who played for American Heritage-Plantation and the University of Miami before being drafted 10th overall by the Chicago White Sox last year.
Nick Gordon, younger brother of Marlins second baseman Dee Gordon, will also play for the U.S. team. Nick is a 21-year-old shortstop in the Minnesota Twins’ organization.
Dee was 22 when he played in the 2010 Futures Game at Angel Anaheim.
“I’ve definitely gotten more mature since then,” Dee Gordon said. “I mean, Stadium in you’re supposed to.”
Seven years later, Gordon said he doesn’t remember many details about the actual game. But he’ll never forget the feeling.
“It’s that big-league atmosphere,” Gordon said. “Man, you’re just a prospect.”
Gordon’s U.S. team featured future All-Stars, Eric Hosmer, Zach Britton and Mike Trout. They broke a three-year winning streak by Team World, as Gordon remembers now, speaking with a slight smile and a hint of pride.
“It was a pretty impressive team,” Gordon said.
Marlins center fielder Christian Yelich played twice in the Futures Game, in 2012 and 2013. Asked what he’d tell his 20-year-old self heading into that 2012 game in Kansas City, he said: “Just enjoy it. I mean, there’s a lot of nerves for all those kids there. It’s the biggest minor league game that you play in, pretty much.”
Other alumni shared that sentiment. After all, Bryant said, a lot changes after your name is called to play in the Futures Game.
“Soak it all in,” Bryant said, gesturing around the visitor’s clubhouse before a recent game at Marlins Park. “Because not many people get a chance like this.”