PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Logan Dawson, a star baseball player in South Jersey and an Eastern High School graduate, was selected by the Phillies last month in the 16th round of the MLB Draft and signed with the organization soon after.
Getting drafted is an incredible accomplishment for any player, but what makes it even more special for Dawson is the fact that he grew up a diehard Phillies fan.
"Yeah, I was a huge Ryan Howard fan growing up. I was 2 years old when they won the 2008 World Series, so I remember seeing pictures of myself excited. I don't remember it, per se, but some of my favorite moments were winning that,” Dawson said. “I went to a couple of games when I was younger, and the Bryce Harper signing, obviously, was an incredible moment as a Phillies fan. But I'm excited to create my own memories, and obviously that sounds crazy to say as a Phillies fan, but I can be a part of history here and hopefully we have some wins to come."
Dawson, a shortstop, had committed to play baseball at Boston College, but after being drafted, he decided to sign with the Phillies.
“...I had a great opportunity to play at Boston College, and I was leaning towards that way, but I just decided what my heart wanted, and my heart wanted to get going on my professional career and hopefully take this and make it my life,” Dawson said.
Dawson said his decision helped him mature quickly.
"Like, this is my job. I'm not a fan anymore. Obviously, I'm gonna be a fan for life, but it was crazy to flip that switch and to walk into there like I'm walking into a job, but it's just an awesome feeling and I'm blessed to be in this situation."
Dawson spent time this summer playing in the MLB Draft League for the Trenton Thunder. He is currently working out at the Phillies Spring Training Complex down in Clearwater, Florida.