By Jeff Hall
OAKLAND, CA —Sports Radio Service caught up with Northern California product Max Stassi during the Astros series in Oakland
Stassi, 23, is a graduate of Yuba City High School and was called up to the Astros earlier this week. Stassi was drafted by the A’s in the 4th round in 2009 and was traded to the Astros along with Chris Carter and Brad Peacock for Jed Lowrie.
Max just completed his first full season in Triple A with Oklahoma City. “It was great, I learned a lot.” Said Stassi. “It was a great experience, and I’m looking forward to advancing from there .”, Stassi added.
Stassi is no doubt highly touted by the Astros. He is ranked by MLB.com as the Astros top catching prospect, and ranked as the Astros 19th overall prospect.
Stassi batted .247 with 9 homers, 20 doubles and 45 RBIs with Oklahoma City.
Not a bad season overall and he was selected to the Triple A All-Star team. “It was something I’ll remember for the rest of my life.”, said Stassi, about the opportunity to play in the game in Durham, North Carolina. “ I got to see my old buddy Andrew Susac, who also made the team, it was fun.”, said Stassi. (Susac is currently on the Giants Roster)
Life on the Road in the minors can be long. “Basically I say goodbye to my family in February”, Stassi said. Max discussed the rare opportunities playing games near his home, both in Sacramento and in Oakland. “It’s something special, you don’t take it for granted playing close to home, it was really cool coming back home, almost kind of surreal.”
Stassi continues to stay connected to his hometown and for the past 6 years he hosts an annual charity event in Yuba City called Homers for the Homeless. “Its A home-run derby of sorts”, says Stassi. The event has raised nearly $100,000 since it started.
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