CHICAGO -- When Pablo Reyes was 16 years old, his efforts to catch on with a Major League organization were met with denial and a disheartening refrain.
"He could be a good player," Reyes recalled recently, "but he's too short and too skinny."
Reyes decided he didn't want to play baseball anymore. His father, Francisco, advised him to quit. But Reyes grew a few more inches, put on a little more weight and pursued his dream once more. The Pirates took a chance on him two years later, and now their faith and his hard work are paying off.