Derek Dietrich was a 6′ native of Cleveland, Ohio when drafted in 2007 by the Houston Astros in the third round. A man of principle, Dietrich turned down what was sure to be a solid payday to attend college at Georgia Tech. In three seasons as their starting first baseman, he slashed .331/.432/.586, with 41 round trippers and 181 RBI.
Dietrich’s hard work and dedication paid off in the 2010 draft. The Tampa Bay Rays picked him in the second round, 79th off the board. Dietrich slashed .279/.340/.419 in the NYPL for the Hudson Valley Renegades in his first pro look after his selection.