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Chad Rupp
More than 1,200 players were selected before Chad Rupp in the 1993 major league draft. When the 44th round arrived, the Minnesota Twins finally called Rupp's name. Many players with his resume might have taken it all as an insult. Rupp, who played his junior and senior seasons at the University of Miami, decided to look at it as a challenge.
"I took the approach that I had to prove to some people that I can play," said Rupp, the Hardware City Rock Cats' first baseman. "I guess they really didn't think I had what it takes to play in the big leagues. "Twenty-seven other teams overlooked me. The Twins gave me a chance and I'm trying to take advantage of it."
Rupp, 24, is winning his fight so far. He is among the Double A Eastern League leaders in home runs (13) and has 35 RBI and a .250 average through Friday. Soon, maybe he won't have that 44th-round tag. Rock Cats manager Al Newman said he sees something special in Rupp's eyes, an effort that has already put him ahead of expectations. "That's grit and determination," Newman said. "He's not blessed with the best foot speed, but last year he stole 14 bases. Certain guys make themselves a player. Other guys are blessed with great talent. "Players that are picked in the first 15 rounds are based on potential. When they looked at Rupp, they saw what they saw. They didn't see room for growth or improvement. But through his work ethic he's improved his foot speed, his bat speed and he's a better fielder." - Hartford Current, Jun 09, 1996
Made for Amazin'.
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