(Editor’s Note: Jonathon was selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 34th round out of Adelphi University. He is a 2012 graduate of Massapequa HS)
by Jonathon Mulford
The 2016 baseball season was roller coaster experience to say the least.
Going into my senior year I had high expectations that I would repeat what I accomplished in my junior year. I had a lot to prove to the teams that passed up on me the year before. I wanted to show the teams that didn’t draft me what they were missing.
In my personal opinion I didn’t think I’d even scratch the surface of reaching my goals and feared that teams wouldn’t take a chance on me in the upcoming draft. All along I thought I was going to be getting drafted by the home town team–the New York Mets.
The Mets have been scouting me since my sophomore year of college and I thought there was no chance that they would pass up on me this year. Sure enough they were two rounds short of drafting me. In the 33rd round my phone rang and the 314 area code popped up. To my surprise it was the St. Louis Cardinals calling me saying they were taking me in the 34th round. When I heard my name during the draft I was in disbelief that my childhood dream actually just became a reality. Two days later the Cardinals flew me down to West Palm Beach, Florida where I would sign my professional contract and hit the field.
After signing my professional contract, I was able to put on the Cardinal Red for the first time and it was a moment I’ll never forget. I still get chills thinking about it. When I stepped on the field for the first time I remember telling myself to forget about what happened during my senior year and to prove to everyone that I belong playing professional baseball. After spending the first week practicing with players from all around the United States, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic and Venezuela I saw a talent level that I’ve never seen before. Playing in the Gulf Coast League was vastly different then the Northeast-10 conference which I played in during college. Pitchers where throwing mid-to-upper 90’s and position players had tools that I’ve never seen before. I knew if I went out there and just did my thing I would be just fine and would flourish.
For the longest time in my baseball career I was always a starting pitcher and had little experience coming out of the bullpen. When my coaches told me I would be coming out of the bullpen I didn’t look at it as knock to my talent. I said I can get a lot of appearances and be put into high pressure situations which I love to pitch in. For the first 10 games of the season I was mostly used as a set up man and had great success. The team faced problems finishing off games in the 9th inning and I was told I would be closing out games if my success continued. I didn’t look back as the opportunity was given to me and I finished second in the league with nine saves. For sure it was something knew for me I was lucky enough I was able to pick the brain of a former closer Kevin Salmon who closed for the Philadelphia Phillies minor league teams. I was in constant contact with my former Adelphi pitching coach through the season and have to thank him for his help along the way.
Going to school on Long Island and living there too, it was always easy to see my family whenever I wanted too. My parents probably came to 95% of my of my college games and I was used to seeing them there all the time. Living down in Florida for the season was different as it changed the way I communicated with family and friends. I was lucky enough that my parents came to a lot of my games in Florida and teammates from Adelphi also came and visited me. It was reassuring not only to see your family come down but also your friends to see you still be able to compete out on the field. There’s times when you are coming back from long bus rides or sitting in your hotel that I missed my family but building friends with players on the team helps you get through it.
My first year of professional baseball was more then I ever expected. From winning the Gulf Coast league championship, playing against great talent and seeing different stadiums will be something I will always remember. I hope every year is just as good as my first one.
(2016 Rookie Ball Stats: 6 saves, 19.2 IP, 13 H, 19 K, 5 BB, 0.92 WHIP)
-Jonathon Mulford
St. Louis Cardinals
