Larry Grant could hit in high school, but he could also field - in multiple positions, The Ballard News-Tribune wrote.
He hit .574 his senior year in 1989 and won conference player of the year honors. His coach Mick McDonald also cited his fielding, The News-Tribune wrote.
"Grant is a good utility player anywhere on the field and his batting average shows he can hit the ball," McDonald told The News-Tribune.
Grant's work impressed enough for the Red Sox to select him in that year's draft. He went on to see three pro seasons - playing at multiple positions. He topped out at high-A.
Grant's career began that year in 1989, taken by the Red Sox in the 18th round of the draft out of Ballard High School in Seattle. Grant was also credited as Lou Grant.
Grant started with the Red Sox in the rookie Gulf Coast League. He got into 42 games and hit .193.
He then moved to short-season Elmira for 1990. His manager there, Mike Verdi, cited Grant's skills as a utility man as the season got underway, The Elmira Star-Gazette wrote.
Grant's main role was expected to be at third. But he could also play at second and short, The Star-Gazette wrote. Grant did largely play at third, but he also saw a game at first, two at short, three in the outfield and even seven at catcher.
Grant hit an early home run for Elmira. He then hit a three-run shot days later. He then hit a triple in an August game. Grant got into 76 games and hit .271, with six total home runs.
Grant moved to high-A Winter Haven for 1991. He hit a three-run home run in an April game and picked up three hits in a June contest. Overall, he hit .226 in 92 games to end his career.
- Ballard News-Tribune, June 7, 1989: BHS baseball gets honors
- Elmira Star-Gazette, June 20, 1990: Verdi confident of winning pennant
Made the Majors:1,257-33.9%
Never Made Majors:2,447-66.1%-X
5+ Seasons in the Majors:522
10+ Seasons in the Minors:309
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