Close-Up: Joe Bonfe

When Joe Bonfe was at Cretin-Derham Hall in Minnesota, the same high school that Joe Mauer attended, Bonfe lettered in baseball, hockey and football. He moved on to Creighton University, where for two seasons he was a member of the baseball team. He redshirted the first season (2007); then, during his sophomore year, played sparingly, mainly as a pitcher.

For Creighton, he appeared on the mound seven times, starting three games. In 12.1 innings, his ERA was 8.03. In contrast, as a hitter he had 11 at bats. He singled once. He also walked twice. His batting average was .091.

The next season Bonfe played for Sierra College, a Big 8 Conference member. There, he was a 1st Team All Conference Selection and an All American. At Sierra, he didn't pitch. As a position player, he started 43 games and led the team in hitting with a .402 average, the highest in the Big 8. He finished the season with an OPS of 1.158.

Despite those stats, the Mets didn't draft Bonfe until the 21st round (644th overall) in the 2009 June draft.

Now, Bonfe is playing third base for the Brooklyn Cyclones. He's hitting .333, second-best on the team. He has the highest OBP (.429) and the fourth-best slugging percentage (.458).

Ike Davis RC (Prospect / RC - Rookie Card) New York Mets / 2008 Razor Signature Series Silver