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7/7/2009 - BASEBALL
Keys' Joseph has baseball on the brain - Baltimore Sun
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Frederick Keys catcher Caleb Joseph occasionally lingers after games, assists the clubhouse attendant, orders some pizza and then crashes at the stadium. Talk about eating and sleeping baseball.
"It's been about 30 percent of nights in the clubhouse at Frederick that I have spent the night on the couch," said Joseph, a 23-year-old right-handed hitter. "I didn't want to leave. You never know when your last day is going to be."
A 2008 seventh-rounder out of Lipscomb (Tenn.) University, Joseph is in no danger of being sent home. Despite skipping a level from Short-A Aberdeen in 2008 to High-A Frederick, Joseph is currently the Carolina League's leading hitter, batting .330 (70-for-212) with six homers and 35 RBIs in 57 games.
Discovered by Orioles scout Rich Morales while playing at the small Division I school, Joseph has gotten stronger, improved his defense and has quickly become one of the most intriguing prospects in an organization sorely lacking in position players.
"Even though he is still learning a lot of things, he has hit the ball much better than anyone could have guessed," Orioles director of player development David Stockstill said. "He has a good swing, a quick bat and recognizes pitches much better."
What sets Joseph apart, however, is his attitude.
"I guarantee you there is not anybody on this team, maybe even in our minor league system, that loves the game more," said Joseph, whose younger brother Corban plays in the New York Yankees' system. "I guarantee you that. It's almost embarrassing."
He began attending Triple-A Nashville Sounds games around age 4, and he wouldn't let his family leave until the last out was recorded. By high school, he was working as an attendant in the Sounds' visitors' clubhouse, soaking up advice from prospects on their way up to the majors and veterans on their way down.
Written by Dan Connolly
Baltimore Sun
