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EY, Jr. heading for first
Early Years
Eric Young, Jr. (called EY, Jr. or Little EY) was born May 25, 1985 in New Brunswick, New Jersey. He lived with his mother, Paula, while he was growing up, but visited his father, Eric Young, Sr. a lot. Eric Young, Jr. enjoyed playing baseball, football, and basketball. He broke his leg playing football during his junior year at Piscataway High School, but returned his senior year when his high school football team was state champion. He was recruited to play wide receiver and defensive back in football at Villanova University near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and signed a letter of intent to go there. But, the Colorado Rockies selected him out of high school in the 30th round of the 2003 MLB draft as a draft and follow pick. He and his parents discussed whether to play football or baseball. Baseball won out and was a natural choice since his dad played Major League Baseball from 1992 to 2006. His father had played centerfield and wide receiver at Rutgers University was drafted by the Dodgers in the 43rd round. His dad was on the Colorado Rockies in their inaugural season and immediately became a fan favorite when he was the first Colorado Rockie to bat in the Rockies first home game ever played. In that first at bat at the old Mile High Stadium, Eric Young, Sr. hit a home run carving a niche in Colorado Rockies history, with a 7 year old Eric Young, Jr. watching in the stands.
College Baseball
When Eric Young, Jr. decided to pursue baseball, he chose to attend Chandler Gilbert Community College in Arizona where he played baseball for a year before signing with the Colorado Rockies. This school has a number of former players playing in the majors.
While at Chandler-Gilbert Community College he received the Most Improved Player Award.
Casper Ghosts - First Professional Team
In 2004 when he signed with the Rockies he was sent to Casper, Wyoming to play for the Casper Rockies (now called the Casper Ghosts). Casper is a short season team in the Rookie Pioneer League. EY, Jr. found his first professional season cut short when a pickoff throw broke his cheekbone and he needed season ending surgery. He had played in 23 games, hitting .264 before the injury.
In 2005 during Spring Training the Rockies were going to play the San Diego Padres. Eric, Jr. was told he would be going to the game. Eric figured he would be going to the game as a benchwarmer, but found out he was going to start. His dad was then playing on the Padres. The Rockies manager, Clint Hurdle, had arranged for the son to play against the father. It had also been arranged for the father and son to deliver the starting lineup cards to the umpire at home plate. They got the keep the staring lineup cards and the other starters and the Youngs all signed the card. EY, Sr. has pictures and the lineup cards framed at his home. EY, Jr. was the starting second baseman, while EY, Sr. started at centerfield. Eric Young, Sr., who at 38 was nearing the end of his career, had 2 doubles that day and was 2 for 3. Eric Young, Jr. who was 19 and just beginning career, had a single and a triple and was 2 for 4 that day. Both cherish the memory of having the opportunity few athletes ever get to have in playing professionally in the same game with their parent or child.
In Casper in 2005, Eric, Jr. played second base and had 66 hits in 63 games. He hit 3 home runs and stole 25 bases. His batting average was .301.
Asheville Tourists
In 2006 Eric moved up a level in the minors to Low A ball with the Asheville Tourists of Asheville, North Carolina. There he was in 128 games, had 142 hits, 5 home runs and 87 stolen bases. His batting average was .295. He was named a South Atlantic League Mid-Season All-Star.
Hawaii Winter Ball
After the season ended at Asheville, Eric played winter ball with the Waikiki Beach Boys in the Hawaii League. He played 28 games batting .287 with 14 stolen bases. He was named HWB (Hawaii Winter Ball) Player of the Week on October 29, 2006.
Modesto Nuts
Modesto, California would be Eric's baseball home in 2007, where he played for the High A Minor Modesto Nuts of the California League. There he stole 73 bases which was second in the minor leagues that year. He hit .291 while playing in 130 games with 8 home runs. He earned the California League Player of the Week honors that summer.
Tulsa Drillers
Eric would be promoted to the Tulsa Drillers AA Texas League team in 2008. While in Tulsa, he batted .290 in 105 games with 46 stolen bases which was third best in the Texas League. He did not play for a month because he broke a hamate bone which required surgery. He was selected to the Texas League End of Season All-Star Team that year.
Arizona Fall League
Because his injury deprived him of playing time, the Rockies sent him to the Arizona Fall League that year. The infield for the Phoenix team had already been filled, so he played centerfield. This would make him more desirable as a ballplayer, since he could now play more than one position. He batted .430 and stole 20 bases that fall. He was named the Arizona Fall League Player of the Week in November and to the 2008 Arizona Fall League All-Prospect Team.
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