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Dreaming of playing professional baseball was always on his mind, but Joey Loperfido also knew that it didn’t happen for everyone.
So when the opportunity to go to Duke University and pursue his playing career presented itself, the 2017 graduate from Haddonfield took full advantage of the situation.
Four years later, he holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology with a certificate in markets and management. And this part about the pro prom is not for everyone? Good …
A four-year holder at Duke, Loperfido was selected by the Houston Astros in the seventh round (208 overall) on Monday of the MLB Draft. The outfielder was one of nine New Jersey players caught by the first 10 rounds.
“I wasn’t someone who was going to drop out of high school, so I had to keep developing myself so that one day I would have this opportunity,” Loperfido said. “I feel very lucky. I’ve had a lot of mentors, coaches, teammates, coaches… you name it. I had a lot of support on this trip and now I’m a little closer to playing in the big leagues.
“My advisor and I knew today would be the day. I thought of myself as a Top 10 guy before the draft, but you never know what can happen. I spoke with the Astros about 15 minutes before the pick, so it was cool to watch those next 15 minutes unfold.
Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament MVP, Loperfido has had a tremendous senior season for the Blue Devils.
Starting in 53 games, Loperfido led the team in batting average (0.374), runs scored (56), hits (77) and doubles (19). He also had three trebles, eight home runs and 29 RBIs.
Joe Loperfido was an outstanding shortstop at Haddonfield before bringing his talents to Duke.SL
Loperfido is the first Haddonfield graduate who played under Bob Bickel to be drafted. Bickel started in 1989.
As Loperfido steps out of the varsity ranks, Haddonfield hasn’t had a player drafted straight from high school since shortstop Bryan Jones was caught in the 42nd round by the New York Mets in 1972.
“He’s the kind of kid that as a coach you would like to shape. He worked hard and was a leader by example, ”said Bickel. “He was picking up balls. Nothing was below him. He would do whatever needed to be done.
“He was like that at Duke and even for a Major League organization he will be the kind of person who thrives because he will do whatever it takes.”
Loperfido knows there is still a lot of work to be done, but he’s getting a little closer to the ultimate goal.
“I’m someone who works hard and does the right things off the pitch,” he said. “On the pitch I’m a playmaker. I’ve been at the top of training pretty much my entire career and I think I’m doing a lot of good things. That’s why the Astros took me.
“It really hasn’t sunk yet. My dream is to play with the big boys and stay there. It’s an awesome and enjoyable step towards that next goal. “
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Kevin Minnick covers South Jersey baseball. He can be contacted at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @kminnicksports
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