As Hall of Fame broadcaster Vin Scully would often say when introducing a new player to Dodgers fans, “Let’s get the biographical information out of the way for Shea Spitzbarth:”

• Age: 24 (Born in Staten Island, New York)
• Height: 6’ 1”
• Weight: 195 pounds
• Bats and throws: right-handed
• High school: Moore Catholic High School, Staten Island
• College: Molloy College, Rockville Centre, NY

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In the 2015 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft, there were 1,215 players selected. But the junior pitcher from Molloy College never had his name called. It wasn’t that Spitzbarth wasn’t a good college pitcher. In fact, he had just completed a terrific season with a 1.77 ERA, including 89 strikeouts in 61 innings pitched, while holding opposing hitters to a .197 batting average; and as a sophomore, he had a 2.24 ERA with 78 strikeouts in 67 innings pitched. It’s that he flew under the radar of most baseball scouts.

But not all of them.

After the 2015 MLB draft, Spitzbarth was lights-out in the prestigious Cape Cod League. It was here that he did catch the eye of a scout – a Dodgers scout. As a result, the Dodgers offered the then 20-year-old right-hander a free agent contract. which he accepted.

What has this ‘undrafted’ pitcher accomplished in his three-plus seasons as a professional in the Dodgers organization?

ERA

• Rookie ball – 2.20
• Low Single-A – 1.91
• Advanced Single-A – 0.57
• Double-A – 2.79

Strike Outs

• 306 in 235 innings pitched

BAA

• Career – .223

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So why wasn’t Spitzbarth drafted when MLB teams are desperate for pitching? Perhaps there is something missing in the talent evaluation equation that does not fit into the commonly accepted 80-scale. How does one measure a player’s “heart?” His commitment to being the best player that he can be? His work ethic? His perseverance? And all of the other intangibles that turn a player into a MLB success story?

As Calvin Coolidge, the 30th President of the United States, once wrote:

“Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence.

Talent will not: nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent.

Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb.

Education will not: the world is full of educated derelicts.

Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.”

Spitzbarth has found the transition to Triple-A a challenge, pitching to a 11.74 ERA in his first 15 innings. But he may be one of those special players who earns his way onto the Dodgers team through his dedication and perseverance – kind of like guys named Maury Wills, “Sweet” Lou Johnson, and Wes Parker.

…you know, guys who ‘Flew Under the Radar.’

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