Montverde Academy News & Sports

Francisco Lindor Drafted to Cleveland

Sitting among family and friends at a friend's house Monday night, with the Major League Baseball draft playing out on the television in the living room, Francisco Lindor calmly played a game on his cell phone.  The 17-year old was patiently waiting for his name to be called...waiting for his dream to come true.

"It's all I ever wanted, to play Major League Baseball," said Lindor.  "Since I was three or four".

First pick...no, second pick..no, it went on and on....until the #8 pick.  Cleveland was on the clock and Lindor continued to stare at the TV with his niece and nephew on his lap.  By the time the five minutes for Cleveland to announce was up, the kids had gotten bored and jumped off Lindor's lap. He was left by himself, his cellphone now tucked into his pocket.

His stare intensified, but no words from him.  Just the voice on the TV.

"With the 8th overall pick in the 2011 Major League Baseball draft, the Cleveland Indians select Francisco Lindor......" said the ESPN announcer. You couldn't hear the end of what he had to say, the room exploded in cheers and cries of joy.

Watch for yourself at www.montverde.tv.  Just click on MVA.

It is dream come true!  The former Montverde Academy shortstop has been chosen by the Cleveland Indians in the first round of the Major League Baseball draft.

Lindor's mom and dad and his niece ran over to throw their arms around him.  He just kept his head in his hands and wiped a few tears away from his eyes.  Years of hard work were beginning to pay off.

After the hugs came the handshakes and pats on the back.  More family, friends from high school and baseball waited to say something to Lindor as he made his way around the living room.  It was time for "congratulations" and to say "thank-you" to his supporters.  One by one he did just that, the whole time smiling.

"Baseball is what I've dreamed about", said Lindor at a gathering for him later.   "I can't wait to get to work and show them what I have."

Montverde Academy baseball coach Tim Layden couldn't contain his smile.  He's worked with the 17-year old shorstop for the past five months.  Hitting and fielding, Lindor was his team leader.

"I'm happy for him", said Layden.  "He's worked very hard to get where he is and now he can finally begin to see the results of his hard work"

A three-year starter for the Eagles, Lindor, who turns 18 in November, had a .528 batting average, with seven homeruns and 20 stolen bases.  But it is his playing on the field that Layden speaks about the most.

"He's just a natual born leader, he can field on the run, throw out a runner bare-handed, all in one move.  I'm happy for him, he's earned this.  I know he will do well."

Lindor knows he has alot of work ahead of him.  Weeks of working out at the Montverde Athletic Complex, training, running and staying in shape, are in store for him.  He'll likely start workouts for the Indians this summer and he can't wait.

"I want to get to work right away," said Lindor.