Two years ago Brian Bistagne made the long journey to Lee University from Glendale, Calif. with one goal; earn an opportunity to play professional baseball after his senior season with the Flames. Those hopes and dreams faded somewhat when the talented shortstop was not selected in the annual Major League Draft two weeks ago.
In the Lee media guide he is quoted as saying the best advice he was ever given was, "never give up." He didn't.Opportunity finally came knocking on Monday when Jack Powell, a scout for the Minnesota Twins, called and offered Bistagne a free-agent contract.
The 2008 winner of the NAIA World Series Gold Glove wasted no time in accepting the offer. He was on a plane Tuesday morning, heading for Fort Myers, Fla. and the Gulf Coast Rookie League.
"Jack (Powell) called me on Monday," said the pleased Bistagne. "He said he tried to work me into the draft, but it just didn't work out. He said he sees this as a good opportunity for me and thinks I can have a long career with the Twins."
Bistagne has one week to get ready. The Fort Myers team starts league play on June 23. "I'm told I'll play shortstop and some second base," he said. "They said I needed to shorten my swing and learn to play small ball. Jack said I had the whole package: speed, arm and quickness."
With former Flames Lance Zawadzki (Padres), Mike Valadez (Indians) and Jeff Ibarra (Padres) trying to work their way to the Major Leagues, Lee coach Mark Brew is happy to see another one of his players get the opportunity.
"Brian is a player who can play shortstop or second, and could probably even slide into an outfield spot if needed," said Brew, who, with the help of players like Bistagne, has directed the Flames to a second and third-place finish in the past two NAIA World Series."Brian plays extremely hard and his versatility will be an asset to him as well as the fact that he runs well and is an excellent defender. His offense should be adequate and if he hits well, his opportunity for advancement will increase dramatically. If he stays healthy, I think he has a chance to advance and be a major contributor in the Twins system."
Bistagne played junior college ball with Valadez at Glendale Community College. "Mike (Valadez) was a year ahead of me and was the main reason I came to Lee," said the new Twin. "Lee has been everything I could ask for. We made two straight trips to the World Series and it gave me the opportunity to play with some great players. I'll be back in the fall to work out with the team."
The Lee shortstop batted .364 this past season for the 53-14 Flames. He scored a team-leading 77 runs and knocked in 42 more from his lead-off spot in the lineup. Showing no fear at the plate, Bistagne was hit by 16 pitches. He leaves Lee having been hit by pitches 33 times in two seasons and holds the team all-time record in that department.
