Radley Haddad graduated from college undrafted and was about to pursue a career in the Frontier League when the Yankees came calling a few months back. The 23-year-old catcher has played for the GCL Yankees and got a brief call up to Staten Island for five games in July.
Can you explain to us how you were signed by the Yankees? Were you signed un-drafted?
I was signed as an undrafted free agent after graduating from Butler University this spring. My Yankees area scout contacted me a few weeks after the draft & offered a contract.
Were you playing anywhere before you were signed?
I had actually agreed to terms to join the Evansville RiverRats of the Independent Frontier League on June 21. However, I received the call from the Yankees the night before on June 20, already had my bags packed and everything. So instead of driving down to Evansville I took my bags and hopped on the plane to Tampa.
Did you know the Yankees were scouting you? Tell us how the process worked.
I had a few teams interested before and after the draft that, once I went undrafted, told me to continue to workout, stay ready and wait to see if any spots opened up in their organizations, the Yanks being one of those. The area scout called me and offered the spot around 10 pm one night and I was on a plane to Tampa at 8 am the next morning!
What are you looking to prove in your first season of pro ball?
To prove that I can make this organization better and posses the ability to contribute every day in whichever way the Yankees need me
What do you think your strength is as a catcher?
I take great pride in all my defense and have always considered myself a defensive minded catcher, but my main strength I believe is my receiving, i work as hard as possible to get my pitching staff every borderline pitch and not to take any strikes away throughout the game.
Has there been a defining moment for your career on the field?
A defining moment for me was transferring from Western Carolina University to Butler after my sophomore year. I knew in my heart that I had the ability to play professional baseball but wasn't getting the opportunity to show my skills as much as I would have liked, so I transferred to Butler and that's where my career really took off and a huge part of why I am where I am at today.
You can follow Radley throughout his career and on Twitter @bo0rad.