A high school baseball player from East Elmhurst could be headed to the big leagues. Quentin Holmes could become the first player from the city in more than 20 years to be drafted by a Major League Baseball team right out of high school.
Our Gene Apodaca has the story.
Quentin Holmes may crack jokes on the sideline, but, on the baseball field, It’s all business.
And that powerhouse talent could soon be paying off big time for this McClancy Memorial High School student.
“It was definitely a lot of hard work, and making those sacrifices I knew it would pay off in the end, “ said Holmes.
Next month, Holmes is favored to be drafted in the first round of the Major League Baseball draft. A feat no other high student from New York City has done since 1996. His coach calls his star centerfielder one in a million.
“He has God given ability but what sets him apart from other players is his work ethic ,“ McClancy Memorial High School Baseball Coach, Nick Melito.
His work ethic that has caught the eye of talent scouts from across the country. If drafted, Holmes says he’d be happy going anywhere, but knows how special it would be if he stayed here at home.
“It would mean a lot to the community here everybody would be rooting for me heavier but just being drafted in general is definitely an honor,” said Holmes.
Fortunately, Holmes has options.
As good as he is on the field, his coach says he’s just as exceptional in the classroom.
“He is the most grounded, best athlete I ever coached, “ said Melito.
He currently holds a 3.85 GPA.
If he’s not drafted, he’s committed to play for Mississippi State. Other schools would love him too.
“There’s pressure but I try to do my best to cancel that out, there’s scouts at the games there’s people coming up to me after the games but what I do is try to stay calm and worry about what’s in between the lines try to do what I do best on the field, “ said Holmes.
The Major league Baseball Draft begins June 12th.