Draft: Was the 2nd pick in Season 43 by Richmond (vegascowboy). Signed
for $3,910,000 million.
Scout Pep Dickey- “Leonys Nieves is a highly promising
prospect with great power. His potential impact at the major league level is
significant, with the upside of becoming a key contributor offensively. With
continued development and adjustment to higher competition, he has the
potential to become a cornerstone player for any organization. Projection:
Future All-Star and middle-of-the-order hitter.”
Career Earnings: $55,729,000
Career: Leonys Nieves broke into the Majors in season 46 and
had a 14-year career. He spent 10 of
those 14 years in the Richmond organization that drafted him (Florida, Augusta,
Dover, Cleveland, Jacksonville) before being traded to Santa Fe for 3 seasons. He
finished his MLB career with one season in Louisville. He was a 6-time
All-Star and won 2 MVP awards (51, 53), and 7 Silver Slugger Awards (47, 49,
50, 51, 52, 53, 55). His best year was
his MVP Season of 53. In that year he hit .340 with 216 H, 33 2B, 2 3B, 52 HR,
128 RBI, and 5 SB. Over his career he hit
.308, 2209 H, 374 2B, 31 3B, 494 HR, 1401 RBI, 67 SB and an OPS of .966.
He holds the Single Season record for Richmond at 57
Homeruns (Season 48).
Hall of Fame Speech: Ladies and gentlemen, family, friends, and fellow baseball lovers,
Wow. Standing here tonight, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude and
humility. It’s truly an honor to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, a place
where the legends of our game are celebrated, and I’m deeply touched to be
counted among them.
When I reflect on my career, I can’t help but think of where it
all began. Getting drafted by Richmond was a dream come true. Those early years
with the organization shaped me not just as a player, but as a person. Spending
a decade with Richmond was like growing up in the game; it was a time of
learning, of building my craft, and forging lifelong relationships. The support
and belief the organization showed me during those formative years were
invaluable. To the Richmond fans and everyone involved with the team, your
faith and encouragement laid the foundation for everything that followed.
To my teammates, coaches, and mentors: your support, guidance, and
belief in me made all the difference. I owe so much to those who stood by me,
pushed me, and celebrated with me through every high and low. The memories we
made together will forever be cherished.
To the fans who filled the stands, cheered us on, and shared in
the excitement of the game: your passion and enthusiasm are what made every
moment on the field special. You inspired me to give my best every time I put
on that uniform. The energy you brought to the ballpark was a driving force
that kept me going, and for that, I am deeply grateful.
And to my family—my rock and my foundation—thank you for your
unwavering support and love. Your belief in me kept me grounded and motivated,
and I’m so thankful for every sacrifice you made so I could pursue this dream.
Baseball is more than just a game. It’s a part of who we are, a
reflection of our perseverance, and a celebration of our triumphs. To be
remembered in this way is both humbling and inspiring. I hope that my journey,
my dedication, and my love for the game serve as a reminder that with passion
and hard work, we can achieve incredible things.
Thank you for this incredible honor. I’m deeply touched and will
cherish this moment for the rest of my life. Here’s to the game that gave me
everything, and to the future generations who will continue to make it great.
Thank you all.
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