Las Vegas Sun

March 19, 2024

sports:

Former Findlay Prep basketball player a rising star … in baseball

Amir Garrett

Associated Press

Former Findlay Prep basketball player Amir Garrett, shown in a 2012 college basketball game against Duke, is a rising star in the Cincinnati Reds organization. The left-handed pitcher left basketball last year to focus on baseball full-time.

Last summer, former Findlay Prep basketball player Amir Garrett gave up college basketball in favor of professional baseball.

Nearly a year later that choice has proven wise, as Garrett on Sunday will take the mound at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati for the Major League Baseball All-Star Futures game.

“Who knows where I would be if I chose basketball,” Garrett said. “I didn’t think I would be this far along right now. Getting invited to this game lets me know that my hard work isn’t going to waste.”

The 6-foot-5 lefty has been pitching in the starting rotation for the Cincinnati Reds’ High-A league affiliate, the Daytona Tortugas, and has a 3-5 record with a 3.00 earned run average.

While he is considered one of the best prospects in the Reds organization, his selection to the All-Star Futures game came as a surprise. The game will be played at the Reds’ home stadium and be televised by MLB Network at noon PDT, signaling a significant milestone in his development.

“My coach and manager called me into the office,” Garrett said. “At first I had no idea what it was about, then they told me, 'Congrats, you’re going to the futures game.' I left the office smiling from ear to ear.”

Garrett is one of only four players on the U.S. team to come from a Class A-Advanced team. The other 21 players on the roster are on Double or Triple-A clubs.

“I kind of feel like an underdog going into the game,” Garrett said. “Not too many people know my name, but a lot of guys that are well-known are playing, so I have a lot to prove.”

It’s a colossal moment for Garrett, who has only recently been able to focus solely on baseball. Prior to that, he split his time between the diamond and the hardwood.

The forward Garrett was a four-star basketball recruit at Findlay Prep who in 2011 signed with St. John’s. With no baseball team at Findlay, his baseball career had been on hold until his father persuaded him to hold a training session for MLB scouts. (He attended Sierra Vista as a freshman and sophomore and pitched for the Mountain Lions' baseball team before moving to California for his junior season. He returned to the area as a high school senior to attend Findlay.)

Garrett blew the scouts away with 96 mph fastballs, and the Reds drafted him in the 22nd round of the 2011 MLB draft. He received a $1 million signing bonus, and was granted permission to continue his college basketball career.

He averaged 6.4 points and 4.2 rebounds per game in two seasons with St. John’s before transferring to Cal-State Northridge, sitting out a season on transfer rules and leaving for baseball before playing a game.

“I’m glad I got to experience basketball when I did,” Garrett said. “I played it at a Division I level, and that was a great experience. I’m at a stage now where I still love basketball, but I don’t miss playing it. All of my focus is on baseball.”

Being able to focus on one sport has dramatically improved his pitching. He has evolved from a rocket-armed novice when drafted to a more seasoned pitcher with a nasty slider that paints the corners of the strike zone.

“When I was focused on two sports I just wanted to throw the ball hard, but now I can actually pitch,” Garrett said. “I can move the ball inside and pick my spots, and I couldn’t really do that before. My breaking ball is coming along really well. My put-away pitch has gotten 10 times better.”

Garrett showcased his put-away pitch during his best outing of the year on May 30. He struck out 12 batters in seven innings during the Tortugas’ 4-2 win over the Clearwater Threshers.

The 23-year-old hopes to join a list of up-and-coming baseball stars from the Las Vegas Valley that includes the Nationals’ Bryce Harper, Cubs’ Kris Bryant and Rangers’ Joey Gallo.

“I grew up playing with those guys,” Garrett said. “I think I am part of that group that is putting Vegas on the map. Vegas is definitely becoming a hotbed for baseball and I am happy to be a part of that.”

At least for one day, he’ll have his chance to represent the area on the big stage.

“Everyone in minor league baseball wants to be invited to the futures game. You get to play with all of the best talent from all levels of minor leagues and see how you stack up against them.”

Join the Discussion:

Check this out for a full explanation of our conversion to the LiveFyre commenting system and instructions on how to sign up for an account.

Full comments policy