Pittsburgh Pirates’ Christopher Bostick proving his value and versatility

Pittsburgh Pirates prospect Christopher Bostick allows his play to define his worth, not a number.

1,336.

In 2011, the Oakland Athletics selected high school infielder Christopher Bostick with the 1,336th overall pick in the MLB Draft. 43 rounds had passed prior to his selection and 194 picks remained.

It’s not where you start, it’s where you finish.

“It’s hard to look at a number — 1,336 — and not be like, ‘What the heck?’ said Bostick. “At the end of the day, that’s how things work sometimes.”

Bostick, a Rochester, N.Y. native, was not originally projected to make it to the Major Leagues. He has been traded three times, played for nine different professional teams and turned down a scholarship to St. John’s University. Regardless, his family never left his side.

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“Right from the very beginning my family and other people that have meant the most to me made it very clear it would be my decision,” said Bostick. “They have been right there with me the whole way. I’m more than thankful for everything that I have gotten support-wise.”

As a young boy, the 5’10” super-utility player was immersed within the game of baseball. Bostick played Little League locally and attended Rochester Red Wings games, watching the next wave of Major League stars. In high school, he was named New York State’s Class B Player of the Year and earned an offer to play Big East baseball.

Many aspiring high school baseball players would accept a Division I scholarship, especially after a late-round MLB Draft selection, to improve future draft stock. Bostick had another idea.

“It was an opportunity I didn’t want to give up. I felt very confident about it,” Bostick said. “I was also confident that I would get my schooling done when I needed to.

“I probably wouldn’t tell anybody in that situation to do what I did, but I wouldn’t take it back for the world.”

After becoming a professional at 18 years old, Bostick moved station-to-station up Oakland’s organization. He struggled at times, no more than any other teenager, while also showing glimpses of potential.

Then, in December 2013, the versatile defender was moved to Texas following the best season of his career. Oakland’s decision came as a shock to the then 20-year old. Though, the team carousel had just begun.

After the 2014 regular season, Bostick was traded in a second consecutive off-season, this time to Washington. With the Nationals, he reached Triple-A Syracuse, placing himself one step away from the Major Leagues. Nevertheless, the New Yorker was sent packing, again, and landed with the Pittsburgh Pirates last September.

Three trades in four years is nearly unheard of in sports. Accordingly, Bostick felt his constant change in teams was unexpected, to say the least.

“It’s tough. Nobody expects to be the one to be traded. Nobody expects to be the one that gets traded twice, and then certainly not three times,” he said. “It’s cool to know people want you, but it’s also tough to show up in a new place and not know anybody’s name.

“I’ve learned how to handle it. I’ve learned that’s kind of the way baseball works and it wouldn’t be ridiculous if it happens again. I just show up and be the best person I can be and be the best player I can be and let everything else fall where it falls.”

Pittsburgh Pirates

Bostick, now with his fourth organization in five years, returned to Triple-A this season. The 24-year old has been nothing short of productive and impressive; He enters the All-Star break leading Indianapolis in batting average (.292) and runs scored (52). Additionally, Bostick has 7 home runs and 38 RBIs, both of which put him near the top of Indianapolis’ individual leaders.

“Everyone in the Minor Leagues is in the process of figuring out who they are and what they do best,” said Bostick. “Every step in the ladder is your first opportunity to do that. Once you get your feet wet a little bit, you can start making adjustments and do what you need to do to succeed.

“I’m nowhere near the end of figuring out everything I need to figure out. But, I think I’m getting a pretty good idea on what I need to do.”

One skill Bostick believes he needs is versatility. This season, the 2017 Triple-A All-Star has played four different positions, from second base and shortstop to left and right field.

“Baseball is all about adding value. You’re a piece in the puzzle. You got to be as valuable as possible. It’s a business, just like anything,” said Bostick of honing versatility. “It’s something that I know I have to do. I have to be ready for stuff like that. That, in many ways, is kind of my ticket.”

Now capable of a quartet of positions, Bostick is in a constant battle of preparation. However, Indianapolis manager Andy Barkett accommodates his budding utility man by giving him plenty of notice of which position he will be manning next.

“Andy’s been great all year, just being transparent about that,” said Bostick. “He’s been good with working with me and putting me in the best position to succeed.

“Sometimes it’s easier when you find out the night before or a little bit earlier in the day, so you don’t just show up and see a lineup and not know what’s going on.”

On May 8, Bostick’s climb from 1,336th pick to MLB player reached its apex. While the Pittsburgh Pirates were out west, he was promoted for his Major League Debut versus the Los Angeles Dodgers. The young man, who grew up playing baseball in Rochester and was told by many he would never accomplish his dreams, had proven all doubters wrong.

As Bostick sat in the dugout at Dodger Stadium waiting for his opportunity to pinch hit, he was not thinking about those who failed to support him. Rather, he reminisced on his family and friends who advocated his decision to turn professional. This wasn’t just his moment, it was theirs as well.

“I’m not worried about the people who tell me I can’t,” he said. “I’d rather enjoy it with the people that said I could. It was really special to be able to share my Major League debut.”

Although Bostick’s first Major League promotion is behind him, he remains on the cusp to return to the Pirates. But, for the time being, he will continue to focus on adding more facets to his game.

Next: NL East trade deadline preview

“Everyday I am trying to figure out how to add value to my game and try to prove that I’m a valuable piece of a major league team,” Bostick said. “Hopefully, I can get as good as I can.”