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June 26, 1988
(AP) - On June 20th around 7:15 PM at Batavia's Lawrence Stadium a historic moment happened in Muckdogs history. As recently called up 1B Raul De Jesus jogged to the plate Batavia was about to have their first ever positional player draft pick take an an bat. In the storied and unsettling history of the Muckdogs it was only fitting that De Jesus struck out swinging, and finished hitless against Davenport that night...but everyone in that stadium knew it was the start of something big.
Drafted in 1984 with the 2nd selection in the 8th round De Jesus didn't look like much to the scouts. The 6'3, 230 lb kid from Venezuela always believed in himself though, and his work ethic and loyalty to the Muckdogs for drafting him motivated him to keep getting better. In '86 he hit .320/.397/.415 for Batavia's A club and followed it up in '87 by hitting .358/.430/.558 before being called up to AA for the last 37 games. In '88 he started the season in AAA and absolutely dominated it. By game 63 he was hitting .419/.472/.615 with 8 HR's, 48 RBI's, and a VORP of 53.6. It was time for the show.
When the call was made De Jesus told reporters that he broke down and cried. Calling his parents in Venezuela he urged them to come to a game. The Muckdogs were about to open a six game home stand and they immediately booked tickets to see the June 26th game against Windy City.
As the week rolled on De Jesus got into the groove. He got one hit the next day against Davenport, then two in the series finale where he also drove in his first two runs of the season. On June 24th against Windy City he blasted a double, then followed it up with another single the next night.
Finally the big night came, June 26th. With his parents in the stands and the butterflies in his stomach twirling De Jesus stepped up to bat in the bottom of the first. As 28,243 fans chanted "Jesus," he then proceeded to take a 3-1 pitch and drive it 368 feet over the rightfield wall. As he rounded the bases it was his parents turn to cry. With the stadium camera affixed to their seats every father in that ballpark understood what they felt, and every son vowed to make their old man just as proud someday.
In the bottom of the 5th De Jesus came to bat again. With Batavia holding to a 3-1 lead this time he waited only two pitches before driving this ball 372 feet over the rightfield wall. What can only be described as pure pandemonium the crowd exploded. Finally Batavia had a big time player. Finally the manager could smile. Finally the guy in charge of uniform sales could afford his kid's braces. Finally Jesus had come to Batavia.
Drafted in 1984 with the 2nd selection in the 8th round De Jesus didn't look like much to the scouts. The 6'3, 230 lb kid from Venezuela always believed in himself though, and his work ethic and loyalty to the Muckdogs for drafting him motivated him to keep getting better. In '86 he hit .320/.397/.415 for Batavia's A club and followed it up in '87 by hitting .358/.430/.558 before being called up to AA for the last 37 games. In '88 he started the season in AAA and absolutely dominated it. By game 63 he was hitting .419/.472/.615 with 8 HR's, 48 RBI's, and a VORP of 53.6. It was time for the show.
When the call was made De Jesus told reporters that he broke down and cried. Calling his parents in Venezuela he urged them to come to a game. The Muckdogs were about to open a six game home stand and they immediately booked tickets to see the June 26th game against Windy City.
As the week rolled on De Jesus got into the groove. He got one hit the next day against Davenport, then two in the series finale where he also drove in his first two runs of the season. On June 24th against Windy City he blasted a double, then followed it up with another single the next night.
Finally the big night came, June 26th. With his parents in the stands and the butterflies in his stomach twirling De Jesus stepped up to bat in the bottom of the first. As 28,243 fans chanted "Jesus," he then proceeded to take a 3-1 pitch and drive it 368 feet over the rightfield wall. As he rounded the bases it was his parents turn to cry. With the stadium camera affixed to their seats every father in that ballpark understood what they felt, and every son vowed to make their old man just as proud someday.
In the bottom of the 5th De Jesus came to bat again. With Batavia holding to a 3-1 lead this time he waited only two pitches before driving this ball 372 feet over the rightfield wall. What can only be described as pure pandemonium the crowd exploded. Finally Batavia had a big time player. Finally the manager could smile. Finally the guy in charge of uniform sales could afford his kid's braces. Finally Jesus had come to Batavia.
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