Manalapan’s DeJesus signs
with Kansas City Royals
Rutgers star center fielder was fourth-round
draft pick
David DeJesus
It took longer than expected, but Manalapan’s David DeJesus is now a Kansas City Royal.
DeJesus, drafted by the American League franchise in the fourth round of this year’s major league baseball draft after helping Rutgers win the Big East championship, signed with the Royals Thursday at his home and will be off for the team’s Instructional League in Orlando, Fla., on Sept. 19.
"It took a load off my shoulders," the Manalapan High School grad said after the signing. "I’ve always dreamed of playing major league baseball and now I’ll have the chance.
"I know it will hit me when I get down to Orlando and start to play," he added. "There was no hesitation about signing. I’m ready to go. It’s time to play baseball."
DeJesus has an idea of what it’s going to take to move up the Royals’ chain.
"At every level the difference is consistency," he pointed out.
DeJesus and the Royals didn’t come to an agreement as quickly as expected because DeJesus’ right forearm was fractured while sliding into second base during Rutgers’ final game of the year in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Eastern Regional. The injury prevented DeJesus from being able to play baseball this summer, and the Royals, not wanting him to come back too soon, waited until he was ready to play before signing him.
It was a long summer for DeJesus, who hasn’t played ball since May 26. But it was worth the wait when he inked his minor league contract Thursday.
This was not the first time that DeJesus had to make a decision on whether to turn pro. The New York Mets drafted the center fielder in the 43rd round in 1997 after his senior year at Manalapan, but he opted to go to Rutgers instead — a decision that was perfect for both him and the Scarlet Knights.
"It was great to be drafted out of high school, but I was drafted in such a low round by the Mets," DeJesus said. "I took full advantage of my opportunity at Rutgers. It’s been all uphill since Rutgers.
"We made the NCAAs the last three years and won the Big East twice (1998 and 2000)," he added. "I know more about baseball now. I was able to hone my skills and I’m a more complete player."
DeJesus, who batted lead-off for Rutgers and led the team in runs scored (66) in 2000, said his biggest improvement was as a hitter.
"In high school, I was a fastball hitter," he pointed out. "I had to learn to hit the offspeed pitches and curve balls.
"At Rutgers we had a drill where we stayed in the batter’s box and just worked on waiting on the ball," he added. "That was a big help in hitting the offspeed pitches."
DeJesus also became more of a thinker.
"It’s all about the count, knowing what a pitcher is going to throw you," he explained. "You watch what he is throwing to the other hitters and what the count is."
DeJesus obviously learned his craft, batting .368 this year.
Since starring at Manalapan, DeJesus has played a lot of baseball and that should prepare him for the long grind that is professional baseball.
"I struggled my freshman year in the last games of the season," he said. "I was tired. In high school, I played maybe 20 games. The longer schedule and the nine-inning games tired me.
"I learned from it and started working out and lifting weights to get stronger," he added.
He also played more and more baseball. After his sophomore year he played in the prestigious Cape Cod League, a wooden bat summer league that attracts the baseball scouts. DeJesus, who played for the Chatham A’s, hit .300 and made the league’s all-star team.
Last year at Rutgers, DeJesus, in addition to batting .368 and leading the team in runs scored, made the All-Big East First Team as Rutgers went 40-18 and set a school single-season record for wins. He was the ideal leadoff hitter for the Scarlet Knights. Not only did he get on base often, but because of his speed, he put pressure on a team. He could turn a walk into a double by stealing a base or go from first to third quickly on a single. As center fielder he could go and chase down fly balls with anyone.
When the Royals picked the Manalapan product in the fourth round of the draft, he was the highest pick from Rutgers under Coach Fred Hill.

