Top pick Mickey Moniak graduates high school with Phillies-decorated cap

By: Matt Rappa, managing editor

CARLSBAD, Calif. — Philadelphia Phillies amateur outfielder Mickey Moniak had a weekend to remember, being selected first overall in the 2016 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft on Thursday, followed by less than 24 hours later graduating from La Costa Canyon High School.

Being the first high school outfielder since Justin Upton in 2005 to be named the first overall pick — the Phillies' first selection at the position since third baseman Pat Burrell in 1998 out of the University of Miami — has its perks for Moniak.

His first professional contract is expected to value over $7 million, per the San Diego Union-Tribune.

He was drafted by the same club as two of his fellow teammates from the Team USA Baseball 18U National Team, which won gold last summer in the WBSC U18 Baseball World Cup in Japan: RHP Kevin Gowdy and infielder Cole Stobbe.

He won a bet with a childhood friend.

Perhaps the coolest aspect out of everything, however, was the style in which he received his high school diploma: a graduation cap decorated with the Phillies logo and American flag colors by friend Autumn Larsen.

Moniak is the fifth amateur draft pick to be selected out of La Costa Canyon High School, joining LHP Mike Oseguera (2002, Rangers), catcher Will Swanner (2010, Rockies), shortstop Phillip Evans (2011, Mets) and first baseman Shane Potter (2015, Rays).

The San Diego, California, native is the second member of his family to be affiliated with Major League Baseball. His grandfather, William, 76, played six seasons in the Boston Red Sox minor league system as an outfielder from 1958 to 1963.