I just got off the phone with Mike Altobelli, father of Dominic Altobelli. Turns out a representative of the Colorado Rockies will be coming to the Altobelli household tonight so that Dom can sign his first pro contract. Over the weekend, Dominic will be heading to his first assignment which I assume will be the Casper Ghosts (love the name!) in the Pioneer League.
Altobelli was chosen in the 16th round by the Rockies in the First-Year Player Draft earlier this week.
Once again, congratulations Dom!!
You’ll find an article entitled Bloodlines Run Deep During Draft on MLB.com’s Draft Central making the family connections of those who were drafted this year. You’ll even find Michigan State’s Eric Roof son of Gene Roof and nephew of Phil Roof. More relevant to us Illinois fans, Eric is brother to Shawn Roof, former Illinois shortstop who is now in AA ball.
Proud papa Mike noticed Dom was missing and you’ll notice a comment to the article by him. Mike told me the author actually called him to apologized… in order to get the article out in time there just wasn’t time to get everyone. I’m not surprised. There tends to be a lot of family ties in the world of baseball.
Hi Tom,
Hey , just checking in with you. Dom is getting use to the grind of minor league baseball. Not many people understand what type of lifestyle this is. It’s tough being away from your family and being in these different towns. it takes a tough mindset to handle this enviroment. Dom has that mindset!!! he understands he is not at Illinois anymore. Dom is on an 11 game hit streak right now. They had him play 2 base the other night because the manager wants his bat in the lineup. The Rockies did send there #2 overall pick to Casper and he is a 3rd basemen and signed for big bucks!!!so Dom’s time at 3rd has been limited. I think it is a blessing because this will make Dom more marketable to be able to play other positions!!
They also moved his hands back more to create more power. Kathy & I are going there next week and can’t wait to see him. I will keep you posted. Again thanks for all you do for are Illinois baseball program.
Later
Pa Pa Alto
Hi Tom,
Hope all is well with you and your family. Kathy and I just got back from Casper Wyoming. Boy when they say your not in Kansas anymore they meant it !!!! We flew into Denver and drove to Salt Lake City Utah. Wow , what a beautiful city!! got a chance to see the mountains and the beautiful water falls with Dom. Then we drove to Casper and the People of casper were great!! Dom’s staying with a very nice family.
We got to see Dom play 4 out of 7 games. He has cooled off a little and not playing full time. He looks great and his mind set is where it needs to be. This is what makes Pro Ball so tough!! His time has been reduced and he is playing some 2nd base as well as DH. I got a chance to meet the head of Player Development for the Rockies and they love Doms future potiential. He has to get Bigger and Stronger in the upper and lower body in order to drive the ball with more power.They are going to put him on a power program to get his weight to 215 to 220. I give this kid a lot of credit to be able to stay positive day in a day out. Only time will tell if he can produce. (And that’s the bottom line in Pro Ball. ) you have to produce, turn some heads,The old saying is the Bonus babys have to prove they are worth there bonus money. and can play.( They get all the chances) and the later round picks have to prove that they can handle part time roles and produce when they get the chance!! It is what it is. Both Kathy and I are so Proud of Dom and hope Brandon and Joe are doing well!! I will send you a photo of Dom in his Casper Ghost uni Later
Mike Alto