When a player first starts to play the game, it's inevitable that thoughts of "…playing in the Big League" will run through every baseball player's head - no matter the age or ability. Your dream at this time is real and achievable. Not knowing what it takes to make it, not knowing the sacrifices that you will have to make, not knowing if you're ever going to get your shot, and not knowing if someone out there will take the chance on you; doesn't matter. What matters is your dream.
On Tuesday June 8th at 4:45 pm, Dalton Pompey's dream finally came true. The young switch hitting outfielder of the Oakville Royals and student at John Fraser S.S of Mississauga, was drafted in the 16th round - 486 overall - to the Toronto Blue Jays. And at that moment Dalton achieved the first major step in his "Big League" dream and made Royals history as the first ever Oakville Royal to be drafted to the MLB. In the spring of 2010, Pompey was also the first Royal to be invited to Participate with the Canadian National Junior Team. He played with the Canadian team in Florida and the Dominican Republic where his performance was impressive and brought Dalton a lot of attention from scouts, resulting in Tuesday's draft by the Blue Jays.
Director of Baseball Operations, Mike Siena said of Dalton, "…Dalton is one of those kids who is gifted! Not only with his athletic ability, but his phenomenal work ethic. I've had the opportunity to work with Dalton for 3 years. In that time there have been up's and down's and Dalton has met every challenge. He proved himself in his first year with our 16U club. He was the second youngest in the program, but you would never be able to tell by his ability. I will never forget the first fall game watching him. Standing 5'10'' and 140 lbs soaking wet, 15 years old, with a wood bat in his hand. I thought to myself, how is this little guy going to handle that bat. Much to my surprise, he stroked a single to right field and from there he has never looked back. Every year he was determined to improve his game, and improve it he did. Making gains in the weight room, working with a track and field coach, and always in the cages. Dalton had natural skill, but he also had passion, dedication, and a strong work ethic".
Coach Mike Swinton, VP of the Oakville Royals, adds, "…Dalton's achievements in baseball thus far are a direct reflection of his work ethic. Our program gave him the opportunity to facilitate his needs and helped him mature as a person. The rest was up to him!"
"Like all athletes in their mid and late teens, Dalton sometimes needed to be pushed as a baseball player. The opportunity with Team Canada allowed that to happen. He is a good athlete and now his athleticism is helping him become better ball player!" added Derek Rothwell, Royals 18U Bench Coach and organizational hitting instructor.
Last Tuesday night, possibly in anticipation of the draft one week away, Pompey's work ethic was noticeable. With scouts paying close attention to detail, and watching every move he made, the outfielder read a ball deep over his should and pounced on it. The ball was a nicely hit, just out of reach, home run; however that didn't stop Dalton from making a final effort ending in a collision with the outfield fence.
"Passion for the game was evident that night when Dalton crashed into the fence trying to catch a home run. I went out there concerned for my player" stated 18U Field Manager and College Placement Coordinator Jason Booth, "…Dalton got up, blood running from face, but more concerned that he didn't make the catch. He then told me he was staying in the game".
That kind of passion and commitment is a prime example of his drive and of the effort that is required to excel at the next level" say President Mel Swinton. "This was a huge day for Dalton, the Pompey family, and the Oakville Royals! On behalf of the entire Royals organization, we would like to thank Dalton, and his family, for their commitment and for giving us the opportunity to help him achieve his goals! All the best in what the future holds for you! See you in 'the Bigs'"
