New York Drafts a Yankee Hater

Published on 8-Jun-2013 by Tyler Scionti

MLB    MLB Daily Update

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New York Drafts a Yankee Hater

Well there certainly is nothing like the prospect of an MLB contract to get someone to change allegiances.

At least, that's the case for the newly drafted Ian Clarkin.

The kid must be living the dream. He's an 18-year-old pitcher was a high school standout in San Diego, and it’s not hard to see why he was drafted at such a young age. In 2013, Clarkin had an 0.95 ERA alongside 133 strikeouts in 73.1 innings. Added to that sterling pedigree, Clarkin is left-handed and features a fastball-curve combo that scares opposing hitters silly. As the old-school Italians say, “fuggedaboutit.”

It wasn’t surprising that the Yankees jumped all over the young southpaw. While most high-school aged kids dream about playing for the most storied franchise in baseball history, Clarkin was not without a few interesting comments regarding the signing. Apparently, Clarkin hates the Yankees with a passion that would make any Red Sox fan green with envy.

In 2001, he rooted against the Yankees every step of the way and was exuberant when the Diamondbacks won.

"I could not stand the Yankees; I was actually in tears, I was so happy," Clarkin said.

Well, that certainly is interesting. You’d think the kid would be happy to make a baseball team at the major league level, but you have to respect the fact that he’s loyal to his roots. At least to a point.

"Now I do love them, and my dad's going to have to learn to love them, too," Clarkin said. "They're the most historic organization, and I'm looking forward to it. There's proof in the pudding, and I'm excited for it."

If he surprises the baseball world and opts for college, hopefully he can take an English literature course or two. Cervantes' Don Quixote advises "The proof of the pudding is in the eating," which at least makes sense.

Who knows? Maybe Clarkin’s hatred will somehow sabotage his success on the mound; it sure would be good for fellow Yankee haters. But no, that’s just wishful thinking. At the age of 18, Clarkin has major-league stuff, and as he continues to develop, he will be a valuable asset to his new team and a formidable opponent.