Schnellders Posted January 23, 2010 Share Posted January 23, 2010 Oakland Athletics prospect Grant Desme has turned his back on professional baseball - to join the priesthood. The 23-year-old outfielder was the Most Valuable Player in last year's Arizona Fall League, where major league clubs send their top prospects each autumn. But Desme, a lifelong Catholic, plans to enter a seminary this summer. "I was doing well at baseball. But I really had to get down to the bottom of things - I love the game, but I aspire to higher things," he explained. "I wasn't at peace where I was at. I have no regrets." Desme, who had looked set to receive an invitation to spring training with Oakland's major league players next month, had been considering the move for over a year, despite hitting 31 home runs and stealing 40 bases in the minor leagues in 2009. "Last year before the season started, I really had a strong feeling of a calling and a real strong desire to follow it. I just fought it," he explained. "As the year went on, God blessed me. I had a better year than I could have imagined, but that reconfirmed my desire. "I felt that while baseball is a good thing, I thought it was selfish of me to be doing that when I really felt that God was calling me more." He informed the A's management on Thursday evening, and now expects to begin "a 10-year process" towards becoming a priest while he studies at St Michael's Abbey in Orange County. Oakland general manager Billy Beane added: "We respect Grant's decision and wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavours." http://news.bbc.co.u...all/8476466.stm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poptart Posted January 23, 2010 Share Posted January 23, 2010 idiot Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rabbethan Posted January 23, 2010 Share Posted January 23, 2010 Why is he an idiot? I hope you have a better reason than "because I wish I was playing baseball for money!" because that's absolute stupidity, as it's obviously not what he really wanted to do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mystikol87 Posted January 23, 2010 Share Posted January 23, 2010 He wasn't actually too much of a prospect, despite strong numbers on the surface. I personally think any sacrifice for religion is silly, so I would never do this, but I wouldn't say he's an idiot. He's following his heart, and that's honorable. It's similar to leaving a high-profile law firm to go work for the state attorney's office - AKA less money but more "moral". If this is what will make him happy, then good for him that he has the nerve to stick to his convictions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Puma Posted January 23, 2010 Share Posted January 23, 2010 As a catholic myself, I applaud this guy. It takes a lot of courage to do what he is doing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admin Posted January 23, 2010 Share Posted January 23, 2010 He should have compromised by asking for a trade to the Padres. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ultimopain Posted January 24, 2010 Share Posted January 24, 2010 He should have compromised by asking for a trade to the Padres. I lol'ed. :lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fanofthefish Posted January 25, 2010 Share Posted January 25, 2010 He probably realized he would also have to play against Cardinals :thumbup I saw where this kid was catching crap in the media for his decision, good luck to him if that's what he wants to do. Me I'd sell my soul for a shot at the show, but everyone is entitled to do what they want to do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Entendu Posted January 25, 2010 Share Posted January 25, 2010 I would've 'aspired to higher things' when I turn 40 and can no longer milk the cow - but that's just me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PitchingWinsGames Posted January 25, 2010 Share Posted January 25, 2010 Noble ambitions, can't go wrong with that Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PitchingWinsGames Posted January 26, 2010 Share Posted January 26, 2010 Well he could have played ball until he retired and then joined the priesthood. Would have been able to donate a lot of money in the process. The money's not the point, it's the time spent doing what he feels is the right thing to do. People keep looking through dollar sign lenses, this guy is completely aware of what he gave up when he made his decision. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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