Springfield native plays in Carolina League All-Star Game

June 22, 2017 | Chris Miracle

ZEBULON, NC – The journey continues for one Springfield native through hills and valleys striving toward the pinnacle landscape of Major League Baseball.

Currently playing for the Carolina Mudcats of the Carolina League’s Southern Division, minor league affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers, Isan Diaz was one of six division players named to the 2017 Carolina League All-Star Classic that took place at Haley Toyota Field in Salem, Virginia on June 20.

The Class A Advanced Carolina League has only 10 teams and conducted its own midsummer classic for the first time since 1995, but its All-Star Game may have been the most talent-laden across the entire Minor League landscape this season.

Seven of MLB.com’s top-100 prospects and one of the Minors' most productive hitters highlighted the circuit's North and South Division rosters.

As of press time, Diaz is batting .225 with nine home runs and 37 RBIs for the Mudcats this season. The 21-year-old shortstop is currently tied for eighth in the Carolina League in extra-base hits (21), tied for fourth in home runs (9) and tied for second in games played (61) this season. Diaz was also a 2016 Midwest League mid-season and post-season All-Star for the Low-A Wisconsin Timber Rattlers last season. He was also a mid-season and postseason All-Star in the Pioneer League with Missoula in 2015.

“I am blessed for the opportunity to be in my third All-Star game in three years. It is a great opportunity to be surrounded by great players in the league and there are a lot of laughs and joy,” Diaz said in recent phone interview before a league game last week.

Diaz had hoped for a better start to this season, but has remained committed to a day to day approach, not looking too far ahead to the long time goal of making the major league roster.

“The way this season is going is not what I had expected. I am really learning about the mental aspect of the game, and dealing with what it is like to fail,” Diaz said. “The mental part is so much part of the game, and I was never good at it, learning how to make adjustments.

“Being consistent for me is the big key, and having a good at-bat and not thinking too far ahead,” Diaz added.

Asked what player he may try to emulate at the plate and playing second base as he hones his skill set, Diaz at first mentioned Seattle Mariner Robinson Cano, a former Rookie of the Year and seven-time Major League Baseball All-Star.

“I like how he approaches the game, but I am trying to forget that and just be Isan Diaz. I am trying to bring my flavor into the game and just be Isan.”

With hopes of the season pushing into late September if the Mudcats make the playoffs, Diaz commented on not getting back home often and what he misses most.

“My mom, she is key for me, and my whole family. Or how my dad will get on me for things. Not being able to see them every day takes a toll,” Diaz said. “Just talking to them every day and knowing they are doing well really helps.”

After the All-Star break, Diaz has one main mantra to follow to keep working day in, day out on the diamond.

“If I continue to struggle or not, just to show that I can handle failure  and show I am ready to go. I just want to progress and be a big leaguer which I know that I am,” Daiz said.

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