04/17/24
January 23, 2010
Oakland A's Phenom Quits to Join Priesthood: Oakland Athletics outfielder prospect Grant Desme, the MVP in last year's Arizona Fall League with 31 home runs and 40 steals and the only player in minor league ball to have at least 30 home runs and steals last year, is leaving baseball to join the priesthood. "God was good to me; I had a better year than I could have imagined," he said. "But the more I prayed, the more I confirmed my desire." The A's gave Desme a $432,000 signing bonus after drafting him in the second round two years ago.
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posted by Drood at 05:27 AM on January 24, 2010
Nine years from seminary to ordination is a very long time. I didn't know it was that arduous. Growing up RC I should have known that, I guess.
I wish Desme had hung around the game a bit longer - long enough to get locked in with a big time agent.
Then, the sports headline of my dreams could have been written:
"Top Prospect Heads To Seminary; Takes Scott Boras With Him"
posted by beaverboard at 10:31 AM on January 24, 2010
I'm surprised that he didn't just go the Tim Tebow route and decide that his sports fame could be a platform to spread his religious works.
posted by rcade at 10:33 AM on January 24, 2010
You'd think the Seminary could open a night/weekend program, or perhaps an on-line option, for guys like this.
posted by dviking at 11:16 AM on January 24, 2010
I'm sure he did what's right in his mind. Lets all wish him the best.
posted by Doehead at 01:12 PM on January 24, 2010
Billy Beane just threw a pew across the room in frustration.
posted by grum@work at 02:51 PM on January 24, 2010
Nine years from seminary to ordination is a very long time.
It varies widely depending on if he already has a college degree and what kind of priest he's becoming- either serving in a Diocese which typically requires less schooling than an order priest such as Franciscans or Jesuits. Either way, 9 years is a long time for someone with a college degree.
posted by jmd82 at 04:42 PM on January 24, 2010
Good for him. That's putting your money where your mouth is.
posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 11:21 PM on January 24, 2010
Good for him. That's putting your money where your mouth is.
See now I feel bad, I was going to make a comment about how the calling for little alter boys was too strong, but that would seem out of place after Weedy's comment.
posted by Demophon at 08:37 AM on January 25, 2010
Promoted from a huddle link by the great Ufez Jones.