Since signing with the Boston Red Sox, former Ball State University center fielder Jeremy Hazelbaker has been on the move.
Hazelbaker arrived in Boston on June 19 to take a physical exam and a drug test. After passing both of those, he started his professional career with the short-season class A Lowell Spinners.
After three games, Hazelbaker received a promotion to Boston's full-season class A team in Greenville, S.C.
Playing for the Greenville Drive was the plan for the All-Mid-American Conference center fielder, but starting at a more advanced level still pleases Hazelbaker.
"I'm very lucky that I'm skipping the short-season team," Hazelbaker said. "It makes me happy that they do have confidence in me."
Hazelbaker will forgo his senior season with the Cardinals, something that was expected before the draft was held June 9 to 11.
Joe Bick, Hazelbaker's agent, declined to say how much he signed for, but said Boston was fair during negotiations.
"Given the circumstances I felt the Red Sox were very fair," Bick said. "Jeremy was anxious to go play; consequently the value in playing was more important than getting a few more thousand dollars."
Bick said the Red Sox had him make a stop in Lowell because he hadn't played in about three weeks.
"They wanted him to get eight-ten at bats at Lowell," Bick said.
During those three games, Hazelbaker ran into former Cardinal pitcher Brenden Stines, who was drafted in the 33rd round by Houston. Stines faced Hazelbaker, but with runners on first and second, Hazelbaker was instructed to sacrifice.
In Hazelbaker's first game for the Drive, he went 1-for-5 with a double, a run and an RBI. He played center field in a 13-6 Greenville win.
"Just to get that first hit was a real good feeling," Hazelbaker said. "I hope it's the first of many."
Hazelbaker got a taste of where he could wind up if he keeps hitting. While he was in Boston for his physical he went to Fenway Park and walked through the clubhouse, where the Red Sox were preparing for a game with Atlanta. Hazelbaker said he met designated hitter David Ortiz.
The Major Leagues are still a long journey away for Hazelbaker. Bick expects his client to remain with Greenville for the remainder of the season.
"I hope he stays there," Bick said. "I anticipate he would, given his start at a higher level. Anything beyond that would be a bonus."
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