Snappers have the Smallest and Largest Turtle in the Pond
-Dexter Sports
7:13 PM
Dexter-Sports Inbox
For Twins' prospects and teammates Chris Cates and Loek Van Mil it is simple. Both have the drive to be in the Majors some day. And both are willing to reach new heig
hts in their game to perfect it. For Loek Van Mil though, that height is 22 inches higher that his teammate.
The Beloit Snappers of the HiA Midwest League and their fans have been fortunate to watch two guys who have the biggest height difference in all of sports. At 5'2 and a half, shortstop Chris Cates is shadowed by 7'1" pitcher Loek Van Mil. Though their height difference is what many national outlets are talking about, both of these prospects are genuine. Lets take a look.
For Chris Cates, his 5'3" stature has never been an issue. A native of Florida, Cates became the shortest player in division one baseball when he signed with Louisville in 2004. As a freshman Cates became an everyday player in the middle infield. From his freshman year onward, Cates became known for his fantastic glove. As a senior he only committed seven errors and was part of a record setting double play tandem. For scouts, his size was a major factor in not considering him. For the Twins though, his character overrode any height issues. Cates started all but one game in his college career. Cates does all the little things right on the field (no pun intended). He also has proven that he can hold his own at the dish. In 52 games, Cates has 17 RBIs.
Loek Van Mil is one of the Twins' top 50 prospects. A native of the Netherlands, Van Mil was scouted by the Twins and Mariners, but ultimately went with the Twins. At 7'1" he is the tallest professional baseball player, but his height doesn't get to him. He sports a fastball, slider and changeup and all have the makings of plus pitches. When the Twins first signed him, his fastball reached the high 80s but now it is in the mid 90s. Van Mil isn't the only tall and lanky starter for Beloit. Of the 14 pitchers on the roster, 8 of them are 6'5" or taller. None are shorter than 6'1".
As Beloit pitching coach Gary Lucas would put it, “If we get rained out of too many games here, I think we should consider taking on the opposition in basketball,” he said. “It looks like a basketball team on paper.”
How interesting is that. Two unique players. One Goal. This story shows that this great game is more than height. Its about ability and desire and both of these guys have it. Lastly it's about having fun out on the diamond. That is the initial and most important principle of the game.
Here is an ESPN First Take Interview. Enjoy.
7:13 PM
Dexter-Sports Inbox
For Twins' prospects and teammates Chris Cates and Loek Van Mil it is simple. Both have the drive to be in the Majors some day. And both are willing to reach new heig
hts in their game to perfect it. For Loek Van Mil though, that height is 22 inches higher that his teammate.The Beloit Snappers of the HiA Midwest League and their fans have been fortunate to watch two guys who have the biggest height difference in all of sports. At 5'2 and a half, shortstop Chris Cates is shadowed by 7'1" pitcher Loek Van Mil. Though their height difference is what many national outlets are talking about, both of these prospects are genuine. Lets take a look.
For Chris Cates, his 5'3" stature has never been an issue. A native of Florida, Cates became the shortest player in division one baseball when he signed with Louisville in 2004. As a freshman Cates became an everyday player in the middle infield. From his freshman year onward, Cates became known for his fantastic glove. As a senior he only committed seven errors and was part of a record setting double play tandem. For scouts, his size was a major factor in not considering him. For the Twins though, his character overrode any height issues. Cates started all but one game in his college career. Cates does all the little things right on the field (no pun intended). He also has proven that he can hold his own at the dish. In 52 games, Cates has 17 RBIs.
Loek Van Mil is one of the Twins' top 50 prospects. A native of the Netherlands, Van Mil was scouted by the Twins and Mariners, but ultimately went with the Twins. At 7'1" he is the tallest professional baseball player, but his height doesn't get to him. He sports a fastball, slider and changeup and all have the makings of plus pitches. When the Twins first signed him, his fastball reached the high 80s but now it is in the mid 90s. Van Mil isn't the only tall and lanky starter for Beloit. Of the 14 pitchers on the roster, 8 of them are 6'5" or taller. None are shorter than 6'1".
As Beloit pitching coach Gary Lucas would put it, “If we get rained out of too many games here, I think we should consider taking on the opposition in basketball,” he said. “It looks like a basketball team on paper.”
How interesting is that. Two unique players. One Goal. This story shows that this great game is more than height. Its about ability and desire and both of these guys have it. Lastly it's about having fun out on the diamond. That is the initial and most important principle of the game.
Here is an ESPN First Take Interview. Enjoy.
