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Chisenhall puts trouble behind as he winds up his first pro season
By Stephanie Storm
Beacon Journal sports writer
Published on Friday, Aug 29, 2008
Indians first-round draft pick Lonnie Chisenhall is looking forward to some relaxing time fishing with his dad.
Chisenhall, a Newport, N.C., native, can't wait to check out his dad's new boat, either. For the 19-year-old, the trip will be a relaxing treat after a whirlwind year.
But first there's the business of wrapping up his inaugural professional baseball season.
Chisenhall was an adequate shortstop at Pitt (N.C.) Community College with great hitting skills and a rap sheet when the Indians chose him with the 29th overall pick in last June's draft.
Even with all of his ability, Chisenhall's questionable past was hard to ignore.
In March 2007, he was dismissed from the University of South Carolina baseball team after being charged with burglary and grand larceny. He and a teammate were caught breaking
into a resident adviser's dorm room and stealing $2,000 worth of equipment that included a flat-screen TV, a PlayStation 3 and DVDs.
Chisenhall pleaded guilty and received six months' probation in February that ended Aug. 6.
Chisenhall, who was originally an 11th-round draft pick by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2006 out of West Carteret High School in Morehead City, N.C., insists that he has learned from the incident.
''It seems that's all people wanted to talk about when my name came up in draft news,'' said Chisenhall, a 6-foot-1, 200-pound left-handed hitter. ''But I just ignore it, mostly. I've learned from my mistake and moved on.''
After extensive background checks, the Indians (recognized for their squeaky-clean image) decided Chisenhall's past indiscretions were out of character.
A grateful Chisenhall quickly signed for $1.2 million and arrived at short-season Mahoning Valley on June 17.
After a slight adjustment period, Chisenhall has performed better than the Indians expected.
''Pro ball is so different from college ball,'' he said. ''All the pitchers here throw hard, the umpire's strike zone is wider, you're hitting with wood and the days can be pretty long. I left the ballpark last night around 11, and I'm already on my way back today [at 1:30 p.m.]. Most days I wake up and just come straight to the field.''
Chisenhall has shown the offensive prowess the Tribe coveted, but he also has displayed an ability to be an everyday shortstop, ending the original plan to convert him into a third baseman.
This is a bonus for the Indians because they already having a slugging third-base prospect in Wes Hodges, who was the Eastern League's Rookie of the Year with the Aeros.
Chisenhall has ''been great,'' Indians scouting director Brad Grant said last week. ''He hasn't done much swinging and missing, and he's shown power. He also has exceeded our expectations at shortstop.''
In 58 games with the Scrappers, Chisenhall is batting .299 (72-for-241) with 18 doubles, three triples, five home runs, 31 runs scored and 44 RBI. He has made 15 errors at shortstop.
''He's a very advanced hitter for his age,'' Indians Director of Player Development Ross Atkins said. ''He's one of those guys to whom hitting comes naturally. He's got a low-maintenance swing and solid approach at the plate. And his hands, feet and arm translate well on defense.''
The Scrappers' season ends Sept. 6. Until then, Chisenhall will spend a majority of his time at the ballpark or the nearby mall.
''Compared to where I come from, [Niles] is a pretty big place,'' he said. ''Heck, there's a mall right next to the field. Back home, we only have a Wal-Mart — and that's about 15 minutes away in the next town over.''
Stephanie Storm can be reached at sstorm@thebeaconjournal.com.
Indians first-round draft pick Lonnie Chisenhall is looking forward to some relaxing time fishing with his dad.
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