The Los Angeles Angels signed veteran outfielder Daniel Nava to a 1-year, $1.38 million deal in December, and he’s expected to form a platoon in left field with fellow newcomer Craig Gentry.
Daniel Nava’s story is a true underdog one. After high school, he attempted to walk on to the team at Santa Clara University, but he was cut and ended up becoming the team’s equipment manager for two seasons. Nava became unable to afford the tuition, and transferred to a junior college, College of San Mateo. He tried out for the baseball team there after running into an old friend who encouraged him to do so, and Daniel Nava ended up becoming a Junior College All-American.