![Marcus Chiu swings for the fences as a Dodger. [Courtesy of Phrake Photography]](http://smhsponyexpress.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/marcus-chiu-dodgers-color-e1507580130329-1200x465.jpg)
Class of 2015 alumnus Marcus Chiu was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 15th round of the 2017 MLB draft. The six-foot-one, 190 pound, 20-year-old is currently playing for the Arizona League Dodgers at Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Arizona.
“Playing professionally is a dream come true,” Chiu said. “The biggest difference between professional baseball and high school and college baseball is the competition level. Every player is fighting to win the starting position and trying to play as long as they can.”
The Dodgers drafted Chiu as a second baseman, but he can play all over the infield. Despite battling an injury in high school, Chiu played shortstop, third, second and first base.Chiu was listening to the draft while brushing his teeth at his home when he heard his name announced.
“It felt like a dream,” Chiu said. “I was shaking for the next two days.”
Growing up a Giants fan, it was Chiu’s dream to be drafted by San Francisco. Chiu rooted against the Dodgers while growing up in the Bay Area, but still was ecstatic to play in blue and white.
“I am really glad to play for the Dodgers,” Chiu said. “In my eyes, the Dodgers have the best overall organization out there, especially when it comes to the way they treat their players.”
The former mustang played on the varsity baseball team for three seasons. He was a first-team all-league selection in his junior year and was named MCAL Player of the Year in his senior year.
“He was the best hitter in the league,” said varsity baseball coach Jamie Vattuone. “From the sound off of his bat, you knew there was something special.”
“He was the runaway MVP of the league,” said former teammate Scott Sheron. “He is the scariest hitter I have ever seen.”
“He has always been an amazing hitter,” said former San Marin catcher Dawsen Bacho. “You knew he was going to play at the next level.”
After graduating from San Marin, Chiu played at College of Marin for two seasons, where he set the school record with 16 home runs and the single season home run record with 13. The slugging infielder was set to play baseball at University of Nevada, Reno on a baseball scholarship, but chose to play professionally instead.
Chiu is following the footsteps of another former San Marin athlete, Bud Norris, who was drafted by the Houston Astros in the eighth round of the 2006 MLB draft. Eleven years later, Marcus Chiu may become the next Mustang to play on a Major League baseball field.
