Update on Former Falcons in Professional Baseball
--Daytona Beach, FL
Major League Baseball begins their 2022 season this weekend and that also marks the start of the Minor League Baseball campaign. There are currently four former Falcons on Major or Minor League Baseball rosters as of opening day.
Justin Lawrence, Colorado Rockies organization, was a member of the 2015 Daytona State College team. He was drafted in the 12th round. He is currently on the Rockies Opening Day Big League roster. Lawrence made his debut with the Rockies in 2021 and pitched 16.2 innings out of the bullpen over 19 games at the Major League level.
“I’m most excited about knowing that I am going to be an important part of helping this team win. The (Rockies) culture is changing and we’re ready to win now,” said Lawrence the Jacksonville, FL native on what he was looking forward to at the start of the 2022 season.
Justin was asked what he missed most about his time at Daytona State College and he said,
“One thing I miss from DSC is just the grind of it all. Without that grind of morning swim and workouts, days at the yard, (DSC Head Coach) Touma’s attention to detail with academics, I truly believe if I would have gone to any other school that I wouldn’t be in the position I am today.”
Lawrence graduated from Daytona State College in the spring of 2015 and was asked what was something that he learned at DSC that he still applies to his life today?
“The Warrior mentality, doing everything with a purpose. It really helps in every aspect of life. I’m living proof of it, to come in throwing 85-87mph, and leave as draft pick for the Colorado Rockies and now a Major League pitcher…its because I bought in 100%.”
Justin Lawrence has last been on the DSC campus for the program’s annual Alumni Game in the Fall of 2019.
Phoenix Sanders, Tampa Bay Rays organization, was a member of the 2015 Daytona State College team. He is currently on the Triple-A affiliate Durham Bulls. Saunders attended University of South Florida after his time at Daytona State College and was drafted in the 10th round by the Rays. In 2021 Saunders appeared in 50 games for the Bulls throwing 64 innings and striking out 80 batters.
**(On April 14th Sanders has recieved the call up to be on the Tampa Bay Rays Major League roster)**
Sanders, the Gainesville, FL native said,
“One thing I am excited about for the upcoming season is to continue to understand baseball at the highest level and continue to develop into hopefully a big league reliever.”
When asked what was one thing he has missed from Daytona State College he said, “I miss the everyday grind and of course, (Coach) Touma, being out there not having to worry about anything but school and baseball is something I wish I could have back.”
Sanders was asked what was one thing that he learned at Daytona State College that he still applies to his life today, he said,
“My attention to minor details, don’t procrastinate, even if that means get gas in your car at 4am…do it.”
Phoenix Sanders was last on the Daytona State College campus for the Alumni Game in the Fall of 2021.
Zach Bryant, Boston Red Sox organization, was a member of the 2018 Daytona State College team. He is currently on the Double-A affiliate Portland Sea Dogs. Bryant attended Jacksonville University after his time at Daytona State College and was drafted in the 15th round by the Chicago Cubs. Last year with the Red Sox High-A affiliate Bryant pitched in 48.1 innings over 37 appearances striking out 65 batters.
Bryant, the Port Orange, FL native, said,
“For the upcoming season I’m excited to showcase the hard work I’ve put in all off-season and build on the success I’ve had so far in my career. I’m also excited to see what the Double-A team can do because we have a very strong roster.”
When asked what he has missed since his time at Daytona State College he said,
“One thing I miss from my time at DSC is playing as a team, for each other and the relationships you build with teammates.”
Zach was asked what something he learned while at Daytona State College that he applies to his life now and he answered,
“The biggest thing I learned at DSC that has stuck with me to this day is just doing what you’re required to do won’t cut it. If you want to separate yourself from the pack, you have to do more than the pack. Look in the mirror and attack your greatest weaknesses and figure out what to do to improve that weakness.”
Zach Bryant was last on campus this past winter to complete his off-season throwing regimen.
Matt Sparling, San Diego Padres organization, was a member of the 2018 Daytona State College team. He is currently on the Low-A affiliate Lake Elsinore Storm. Sparling attended Florida Atlantic University after his time at Daytona State College and signed a free agent contract last fall. After signing his contract Sparling pitched in 9.1 innings over 7 appearances while striking out 11 batters. This spring will be Sparling’s first full season in Minor League baseball and said,
“I’m excited to begin my professional journey. This is my first season, so I’m excited to get started in the Padres organization.”
Sparling went on to say,
My time at Daytona State College was filled with a ton of memories, but one thing I miss is the bond I had with my teammates and competing every day to win. I also miss the morning lifts and swims; they weren’t fun but definitely had some funny moments I’ll remember for the rest of my life.”
When asked about one thing he learned at Daytona State College that he applies to his life today he responded,
“Being a junk finger vs having the Midas Touch. The junk finger story Coach Reilly (Sparling’s Pitching Coach) told me the Fall semester of my freshman year has stuck with me. I try to live a life that is “anti-junk finger” as possible.”
Matt Sparling was last on the Daytona State Campus this past Fall and Winter to prepare for his 2022 season in Padres organization.