Matt McBride, former Liberty and Lehigh standout, is moving up the ladder toward the majors
By Express-Times staff
November 12, 2009, 12:25AM
Matt McBrideHe hit a two-run homer in Saturday’s nationally televised Rising Stars Showcase in Arizona.
He’s leading the Arizona Fall League in batting average and on-base percentage and is second in slugging percentage and home runs per at-bat.
Matt McBride, who starred at Liberty High and Lehigh University, is near the pinnacle of his minor-league ride.
“His combination of power, hitting for average and on-base percentage against premier pitching is causing teams to take notice; especially because he’s a catcher,” said Detroit Tigers minor-league infield coordinator Kevin Bradshaw. “It is rare to see a catcher who is also a force offensively, and that bodes well for Matt going forward, as does his overall make-up.”
McBride is contractually tied to the Cleveland Indians, who have an abundance of catching prospects close to the major league level.
“Cleveland has treated me as well as I could have hoped and I’m appreciative of that,” he said. “If I were fortunate enough to play in the majors I would prefer that it be with the Indians, because I like the organization, and I like Cleveland’s rich baseball history. But who knows what the future will bring?”