ODA slugger signs with Mets

LAKEWOOD RANCH — Desmond Lindsay’s unique bond with the New York Mets formed long before he began harboring dreams of playing professional baseball. 

Lindsay, preferring to be out on the diamond playing with friends, has never has been one to sit down and watch baseball on TV. 

But whenever he would visit his grandmother, Gerri, it was almost inevitable that the two would spend time together cheering on her favorite team: The New York Mets. 

Lindsay was selected by the Mets with the 53rd overall pick in the 2015 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft June 8. On June 19, Lindsay signed a $1.1 million contract with the Mets, at Citi Field.

“It’s been hectic, but it’s also been relaxing,” Lindsay says. “This is the most I’ve just hung out and not done anything. I’ve enjoyed myself, but it’s definitely been a whirlwind.” 

The following day, Lindsay, who became the first ODA baseball player to have been drafted, returned to ODA to celebrate with his family and supporters and to announce that he would be reporting to Port St. Lucie June 22 to begin his professional career with the Mets in the Gulf Coast League. 

“This is absolutely a historic day for ODA,” ODA Head of School David Mahler says. “Full disclosure: I grew up in New York and I’m a big-time Yankees fan. I guess I’ll have to balance out my wardrobe somewhat now because it would be great to watch you play in Citi Field.” 

DIFFICULT DECISION 

In the days leading up to the draft, Lindsay began weighing his options. Lindsay, who had a full scholarship to the University of North Carolina, decided on his cut off point in the draft. Anything under $1 million and Lindsay was going to be a Tar Heel. 

“I didn’t want to go into the draft not knowing,” Lindsay says. 

Lindsay knew the Mets were one of the teams that were the most interested in drafting him. He just didn’t know how much. 

With the first round of the draft underway, Lindsay mentally prepared himself for the possibility that he wouldn’t get picked. 

Prior to the 53rd overall pick, the Mets called Lindsay and the two sides agreed that if they selected him, he would sign.

“It’s like a game of cat and mouse because you don’t know how interested they are,” Lindsay says. “I didn’t know they were going to pick me until it actually happened. It was really exciting.” 

The decision to forgo playing college baseball was one of the toughest decisions Lindsay has ever had to make, but it got easier when he learned he would be able to further his education at the same time. 

Lindsay can either attend UNC during the offseason or take courses online through the university. 

“It was a very difficult decision,” Lindsay says. “Academics and education are a big part of (being) successful, so it was hard to weigh that decision. The biggest thing is that I can go to school while I’m playing, so that’s really what pushed me to start my professional career now.” 

BIG LEAGUE DREAMS 

Lindsay grew up playing baseball, but it wasn’t until he attended ODA that he began dreaming of playing professional baseball. 

A former three-sport athlete, Lindsay gave up football and basketball to focus solely on baseball, much to the disappointment of Athletic Director and football coach Brett Timmons. 

“I remember trying to convince you to play football, and you just told me, ‘No, coach. I’m going to be a baseball player,'" Timmons told Lindsay. "Since then, I’ve watched you enjoy the process and I’ve watched you grow in the process. I’m very proud of all you’ve accomplished.” 

There was something about baseball that captured Lindsay’s attention. His coaches could see it. 

He was passionate. He was dedicated. And, above all else, he was a tireless worker. 

“He’s always had something special, but the biggest factor was that he put in the time and dedication,” says ODA assistant coach Jimmy Kuebler, who has been coaching Lindsay since he was 8 years old. “No one has swung a bat more or watched more film. Desmond knows how proud I am of him. The dedication was always there, and I knew he was going to be successful.” 

Lindsay’s passion landed him the first Taylor Emmons Scholarship, a four-year scholarshop to attend ODA, five years ago.

“It’s definitely a humbling experience and feeling to be a Taylor Emmons Scholar,” says Lindsay, who raised $27,690 this year for the fund through his Home Run Derby fundraiser. “Hopefully I can do the same thing one day. It’s just been awesome.” 

A former corner infielder, Lindsay began transitioning to the outfield last summer. Lindsay played five games at the position, including a showcase game at Citi Field — his first time visiting the Mets’ home field. 

It’s Lindsay’s combination of speed and power, along with his work ethic, that has allowed him to succeed across the diamond. 

“He makes everything look effortless,” Kuebler says. “He can do anything. He’s been successful everywhere we’ve put him. Only a pure athlete can do that. He knows baseball and he can play anywhere.” 

During his senior season, Lindsay reinjured his hamstring, which kept him out of the Thunder lineup for all but seven games. 

“It definitely hurt me, but I’m definitely happy with the way it turned out and having been drafted by the Mets,” he said. 

Lindsay spent most of last week in New York City where he watched the Mets play the Toronto Blue Jays and toured the clubhouse before signing his contract. 

“It was awesome, and it just motivated me to want to get there,” Lindsay says. “I never realized how big it was. The only other field I had seen at that point was Tropicana. It was definitely a better baseball experience being at that field. … The whole atmosphere is different than what I’m used to. It was very exciting, and I’m looking forward to playing there one day.” 

Lindsay will continue rehabbing his hamstring as a precaution before taking the field for the Mets. 

“I’ve been waiting around for three months,” Lindsay says. “I can’t wait to start playing again.” 

Contact Jen Blanco at [email protected].