Cardinals draft Irving Lopez

2013 Gila Ridge alum taken in 19th round following two standout seasons at FIU

Two years and two months ago, Irving Lopez said this in an interview with the Yuma Sun: “People have to know where Yuma is. Put Yuma on the map, that’s one of my goals. It’s going to be a pretty good experience and an honor to put Yuma on the map.”

Lopez, then a sophomore shortstop at Arizona Western College following four prolific years with Gila Ridge High School, finished his college career with two strong seasons playing Division I baseball at Florida International University. He got closer to his goal Wednesday when he was selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 19th round of the 2017 MLB FirstYear Player Draft. “I’m proud to say I’m from Yuma,” Lopez said in a phone interview. “Everyone in Florida asks where I’m from; I say Yuma, and they don’t know where that is. … I love that city. I grew up there and nobody comes in (to scout), but there’s a lot of talent there.” “A lot of guys from Yuma, you have to play with a chip on your shoulder,” Gila Ridge assistant baseball coach James Kuzniak said. “You have to have that kind of attitude about you. Irving gets a ton of respect once people get to see him play.” Lopez came out of high school as a 5-foot-9, 150-pound middle infielder with barely any interest from colleges. Four years later and still undersized, he was with family in Phoenix on Wednesday, witnessing his name appear on MLB’s draft tracker.

“Once I saw the pick, my initial reaction was to hug my parents, hug my family,” Lopez said. “They were all with me and excited