On Thursday, June 25, No. 23 round draft pick Kyri Washington officially signed a contract with the Boston Red Sox organization, finalizing his decision to exit the world of Division I baseball and Longwood University a year early. Washington is leaving behind studying his degree in Business Administration while concentrating in Accounting, as well as a successful junior season that earned him a spot on both the All-Big South second team and the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) All-East Region second team.
The outfielder hit a team-leading 15 home runs and 52 RBIs, both career-highs. After signing, Washington relocated his powerful swing to Fort Meyers, Florida where he now plays for the Red Sox club in the Gulf Coast League.
Washington talked about his draft process, the thought in his decision, and his progress with his new club so far. Following are the edited excerpts.
What was your immediate feeling when you first got called letting you know you were drafted?
“It felt great. I mean, it was something I had dreamed of since I was a kid so to get that call was a life-changing moment in my life. I’ll never forget it that is for sure.”
Did you ever expect to get drafted when you were younger?
“Not when I was younger, but when I got off to college I kind of expected it. I mean, it was a surprise, but at the same I also knew it was going to happen so I was prepared for it.”
Was the Boston Red Sox your top pick for a team to go to?
“Actually, I didn’t think they would pick me, it just happened. I had talked to a different team before the drafts happened and they (the Red Sox) opted to pick me so it all worked out in my favor and I’m happy with it.”
How difficult was the decision to leave Longwood a year early to pursue your professional career?
“It was pretty difficult. I talked to my coach through the whole thing and it was very hard because obviously Longwood is a good place and I wanted to graduate next year, but then I had to weigh all my options. I got with my parents and we all just felt like it was time to go and follow my dreams, so that’s what I decided.”
Was Coach Mau a big part of your decision?
“He guided me through the whole process, with all of the scouts and all the contact information. He definitely played a huge part and I can never thank him enough. I am really glad to have had him this year by my side through all of this.”
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How was the recruiting process in preparation for the draft in comparison to college?
“It’s basically the same thing, but the draft is a little different. When it comes to high school, your talent takes you a long way, as opposed to college where they know they can develop you. But when you’re going professional they want a developed player already so it’s just a little different with that.”
Did you feel like you had to be proactive or did the scouts just come to you?
“I didn’t have to reach out really during the season because in the fall I had a lot of meetings with Coach Mau and a lot of teams, just face-to-face meetings and you don’t have to reach out really. They just contact you and start to follow you. You give them your schedule and they come around all year and watch you. You have scouts at every game and they’re recording you and breaking down film on you so that’s how it happens with the MLB draft. It’s pretty cool.”
You’re known for your home runs, did the scouts tell you anything else that caught their eye about you?
“They really liked my leadership potential and how I carry myself. I try to lead every team I’m on and be a positive impact to everyone so they said obviously how you act as a person carries you a long way as well, not just your talent. So they look at that too.”
Was there any area you were specifically told you needed to further develop in?
“My contact aspect of my game and my strikeouts, but I’m working every day at that and it’ll definitely come around in the future.”
Do you look forward to improving by working with new coaches?
“At first it’s tough just because it’s a new system, but I think I’ve adapted pretty well this whole week I’ve been down here I’ve managed. It’s been fun so far, so I’m hoping to keep that going.”
Not a lot of homesickness going on?
“No, I’m used to being away from home. I call my mom every day and we talk every day. I talk to my dad, my parents, my brother. No homesickness, I’m just happy to get things going.”
This article is part of an ongoing series of interviews with a pair of former Longwood athletes who have signed professional contracts.
