Cole Tucker might be the youngest player on the West Virginia Power roster, but he has already established himself as one of the most respected leaders of the squad.
An 18-year-old in a new environment with people older and more experienced than him would usually be intimidating, but for Tucker, it’s been the direct opposite as his maturity level and attitude has fit him in nicely with the WV Power roster regardless if he’s the youngest or not.
“He’s special in terms of where he’s at and in terms of maturity and that’s only going to help him transition into a better player sooner,” said Power manager Brian Espinosa. “He understands that there’s more to this game than just getting three hits and playing good defense and he understands that there’s ways to get his teammates involved. There’s ways to lead his teammates by example and not only when he does the right things, but when he makes his mistakes, how quick he’s able to bounce back and turn a page.”
It’s been quite the ride for Tucker, who only one year ago was finishing up high school at Mountain Pointe in Pheonix, Az. He was selected by the Pirates in the first round of the June 2014 MLB first-year player draft as the 24th overall pick and immediately made his way to the Pirates rookie ball team.
“Life has changed a lot,” said Tucker. “I’m still doing what I love, still playing baseball every day and life is good. I couldn’t be more thankful for where I’m at. It was surreal when I was drafted. I mean, it’s everything you think about for 17 years and growing up, all you want to do is become a pro baseball player.
“On that day when you see your name and picture flash up on the TV screen with all of your friends and family around you, it’s the best feeling in the world.”
Tucker has had this passion for baseball basically his entire life, as his first memories growing up were of the game in Arizona, where he would play year-round.
“My grandfather and my dad got me into baseball as early as I can remember. Being in Arizona, we went to a lot of Diamondbacks games growing up. We played in the living room with a little sponge ball. The obsession just kept growing as I grew up, so I never really stopped loving it.”
He’s primarily played the shortstop position since day one and has a future Hall-of-Famer to thank for that in Yankee legend, Derek Jeter, who played in 14 All Star games over the course of his 20-year career that included five Rawlings Gold Glove Awards and five Silver Slugger Awards. His demeanor off the field was something that Tucker respected and looked up to.
“I grew up watching Derek Jeter. I feel like that’s a very easy answer. He’s the man,” Tucker said. “Growing up over the last 20 years, anyone that has watched baseball knows who Derek Jeter is. He’s the ultimate professional. He does everything right on and off the field. It’s weird watching Yankees games with Didi Gregorius playing shortstop and not him.”
It is still too early to tell how good Tucker will be as he is only less than a year into his minor league career, but he is already making progress as he currently is posting a .271/.302/.331 slash line and a .632 OPS in 29 games this season with four doubles, one home run, nine RBI and seven stolen bases in 10 attempts.
His defense is also improving as he is on pace to commit only six errors, which is down from 13 last year. His overall approach to his defense also looks better as the season progresses, as his range and ability to turn a double play look more fluent than when he started. Simply put, he’s comfortable at his position.
“I feel great. I’m learning a lot in such a little amount of time. I know I have a long way to go to become a Major Leaguer, but day-in and day-out, I’m learning so much from the staff and the older guys around me,” he said. “I’m just trying to be a sponge and absorb all the information that I can. I feel like I’m playing well and I’m progressing the way I want to and I’m just looking forward to keeping it going the next few years.”
Tucker may have a long way to go before reaching his goal of the big leagues, but it hasn’t kept Esposito from noticing the potential that is there.
“He’s our future,” said Esposito. “He’s going to be a guy that if he continues to progress, he’s going to be a big-time impact player on a championship team in Pittsburgh.”
(Photo Credit: Sam Santilli)
