CLEARWATER, Fla. - Brock Stassi, a 33rd-round pick in 2011, continued to defy the odds on Thursday as he captured one of the final spots on the Phillies’ opening-day roster.
The first baseman/outfielder and Daniel Nava are the final two bench players. Stassi, 27, reaches the majors after six seasons in the minors. He entered professional baseball with a plane ticket and a $1,000 bonus. Nothing else was guaranteed.
“A dream come true,” Stassi said as he held back tears.
Stassi was pulled into Pete Mackanin’s office after Thursday’s 14-1 loss over the Yankees. The manager asked Stassi what number he wanted to wear.