Prior to the Chicago Cubs' series-opening 7-4 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday, the organization's first-round pick, Albert Almora, got to experience batting practice at Wrigley Field, according to an article by Sarah Trotto of CSNChicago.com.
Almora, the sixth overall selection in June's draft, fresh off seasons playing for both the Cubs' rookie team in Arizona and then with short-season Boise, got to soak in Wrigley's atmosphere from center field and take some swings during Chicago's pre-game preparations as general manager Theo Epstein and other team executives looked on.
From the article, Almora was happy to be there:
Amazing. I was in center field. I don't know how much history has been on this field. I'm very blessed and very thankful.
The 18-year-old from Hialeah, Florida, hit .347 in 18 games in the Arizona league and .292 for Boise in 15 games after inking a contract with the Cubs, complete with a $3.9 million bonus, in July.
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