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Reading's Stassi looks to keep proving doubters wrong

READING - Colleges did not start recruiting Brock Stassi until his senior year in high school. It seemed as if everyone else had already signed their scholarships, Stassi said. Four years later, he waited until the final day of the 2011 Major League Baseball draft before his name was called. Proving people wrong, Stassi said, is something he has done his whole life.

First baseman Brock Stassi, here against New Hampshire, was leading the Eastern League in RBIs. (Bradley C. Bower/Staff Photographer)
First baseman Brock Stassi, here against New Hampshire, was leading the Eastern League in RBIs. (Bradley C. Bower/Staff Photographer)Read more(Bradley C. Bower/Staff Photographer)

READING - Colleges did not start recruiting Brock Stassi until his senior year in high school. It seemed as if everyone else had already signed their scholarships, Stassi said. Four years later, he waited until the final day of the 2011 Major League Baseball draft before his name was called. Proving people wrong, Stassi said, is something he has done his whole life.

"I've always had to grind stuff out and open people's eyes," Stassi said. "I play with a chip on my shoulder. Being a 33d-rounder, I use that as motivation. I take pride in that."

The once-overlooked Stassi has proven his worth this season at double-A Reading. He entered Friday with an Eastern League-leading 32 RBIs. The first baseman was batting .319 with five home runs. Stassi struck out Wednesday for the first time in 36 at-bats. He reconstructed his swing this offseason with the help of his younger brother Max, a catching prospect in Houston's farm system.

The Phillies named Stassi their minor-league player of the week Wednesday after he had a .988 OPS over a seven-game stretch. The 25-year-old looks to be a prime candidate for a midseason promotion to triple-A Lehigh Valley.

"Wherever I'm at, I'm trying to treat it as my big leagues and not worry about moving up," Stassi said. "Everybody always wants to move up, but it's out of my control. I'm just having fun where I'm at with my teammates."

The Phillies drafted Stassi as an outfielder, but there was little room for him at the position when he reported that summer to short-season Williamsport. He said he was handed a first baseman's glove and given a new position. Stassi had spent some time at first in college at the University of Nevada along with being an outfielder and pitcher.

He hit just .200 that season in 50 games with the Crosscutters. It was not the prettiest sight, Stassi said. He believes it was his defense that made the Phillies keep him around. Stassi said he's thankful they gave him a chance.

He had yet to make an error this season in 30 games at first base. Stassi made just seven errors in 115 games last season. On Wednesday, he made an athletic leaping grab to snag a line drive and preserve Aaron Nola's shutout.

"Growing up, I always liked watching shortstops," Stassi said. "I always liked watching guys that threw off balance and made diving plays and highlight-reel plays. I try to take that mentality to my game at first base."

He is splitting time this season at first base with 24-year-old Art Charles, who is tied with Stassi with a team-high five home runs. Charles was a 20th-round selection by Toronto in 2010. The Phillies acquired him in 2013 for Michael Schwimmer, who has not pitched in the majors since. Charles was batting .303 with 18 RBIs. Rhys Hoskins, 22, is having similar success at single-A Lakewood. He was batting .310 with five home runs. The Phillies drafted him last June in the fifth round.

Manager Dusty Wathan is able to fit Charles and Stassi in the lineup when Reading meets an American League team and the designated hitter is used. Two good first baseman, Wathan said, is a great problem to have.

"He's in way better shape this year and he realizes what it's like to play every day," Wathan said about Stassi. "Prior to last year, he was never really the guy to play every day. This year he has that chance and he knew what to expect going into it."

Stassi said the minor leaguers are told each spring that the current batch of Phillies is getting older. They are told that opportunities will be there. And first base is no different. The Phillies tried to move Ryan Howard this offseason. Trading Howard could become realistic if his recent success continues. Stassi will be ready for the opportunities.

"Hopefully I can keep proving people wrong," Stassi said. "And work my way up to the big leagues."