Player Journal: LaPorta having fun at camp

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Player Journal: LaPorta having fun at camp
03/25/2008 10:00 AM ET
By Matt LaPorta

Matt LaPorta, the former Florida Gators star, burst onto the scene in his pro debut in 2007 after being taken seventh overall by the Milwaukee Brewers. He hit 12 homers in just 115 at-bats (30 games) to lead the Minors in HR/AB ratio, then went on to lead the Arizona Fall League with six more round-trippers in just 30 games. He also finished second in the AFL in RBIs and total bases.
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Hey, this is Matt LaPorta reporting to you from beautiful Arizona and the Brewers' Spring Training home. This is the first time I have written a journal entry for MiLB.com and I am very honored to have this opportunity.
I played for the University of Florida (Gators) for four years as a first baseman. The Milwaukee Brewers drafted me in 2007 as their first pick and as a left fielder. It was a blessing to be drafted and have the opportunity to play professional baseball for such a great organization. Last year following college, I played in Class A in Charleston, W. Va., for about a month. After the season finished, I got sent to the Arizona Fall League and played for the Mesa Solar Sox until the middle of November.

I was very honored when the Brewers invited me to big-league camp because it was an opportunity to play against the best players in the game and learn from a lot of the other players on my team. Being up for camp was a great experience. I had about 15 at-bats with some hits mixed in there. Most importantly I got better as a baseball player because the competition was much better than what I have faced ever before.
I got sent down to the Minor Leagues last week and have since been working out with the Double-A team. I don't know where the Brewers are going to send me for the season this year, but I will find out in about week.
Here is a bible verse until we chat again: "Shall we accept good from God and not trouble?" Job 2:10
I want to thank everyone who is taking time out of their busy day to read this journal. I hope it is an opportunity for all my readers to get to know Matt LaPorta a little better. Email me here. Take care and best of luck in whatever you are doing.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.