BREAKING NEWS: Pridmore signs with Nationals

NHS product impressed major league franchise with his hitting at SRJC

By ERIN LAWLEY, Register Sports Writer

Clinton Pridmore called Napa High baseball coach Todd Pridy Sunday night to ask if the skipper had a first baseman’s glove he could borrow.

Normally a third baseman, Pridmore needed the mitt because he signed with the Washington Nationals Monday afternoon and was told he’ll see most his time at first base.

“Doesn’t matter where I play, as long as I play,” the 2004 Napa High graduate said. “I’ve played first before on and off my whole life; it’s like second nature to me.”

Pridmore leaves for Melbourne, Fla., at 6 a.m. Tuesday but won’t arrive in time for the Gulf Coast League Nationals’ opening day game against the GCL Dodgers. But the 21-year old will be on hand for the team’s second game, against the GCL Cardinals on Wednesday. The Nationals, managed by Bobby Henley, play in the East division with the Dodgers, Marlins and Mets.

“I’ve been waiting for this my whole life,” Pridmore said. “That first game; that first pitch is going to be amazing. I’m just so excited to get out there and play. There aren’t words to explain it.”

Pridmore was drafted as the No. 6 pick of the 44th round by Washington on June 8 and had been waiting anxiously since for everything to become official. The Nationals had to either sign or be told their earlier draft picks were heading to college, before they were able to negotiate any details with Pridmore.

He received a phone call from the organization Sunday and was told to expect a fax on Monday with the nitty gritty. That information arrived early Monday afternoon. Pridmore was given the option of flying 3,000 miles at 6 a.m. or 11 a.m. Tuesday and he was quick to pick the soonest.

He’s had close to two weeks to sit and wait and wanted to get over there as soon as possible, so those five hours made a difference. The only problem is that he has to pack quickly.

Pridmore did have the option of transferring from Santa Rosa Junior College, where he played baseball the last two seasons, to a four-year university with the hopes of being drafted after another year or two. Not a big fan of school, Pridmore didn’t want to let this opportunity pass him by. And Pridy is supportive of that decision.

“Ever since he played at Napa High, he’s been talking about playing minor league baseball,” Pridy said. “This is a dream of his coming true. He’s an adult now and ready to make his choices. This is one he should be proud of. It fits.”

Pridy also played minor league baseball after he was drafted out of Long Beach State as a first baseman and designated hitter. Pridy was drafted by the Florida Marlins and played on many of the ballfields Pridmore where will get the opportunity to play.

“We’re the same age as each other when I started out in that career and him starting his career,” Pridy said. “One of the wonderful things about him is he’s a very likable person. He’s going to get along with everyone. I just think he’s going to adapt wherever he is and people will like him there. I see it being difficult for some, but not that transition for him.”

Pridy coached Pridmore for three years on the varsity squad and has kept in contact with his former player over the past three years. Pridmore looks up to Pridy and seeks him out for advice since he’s trying to follow some of the paths his former skipper took.

“The fact that he’s called me through this important decision makes me feel great,” Pridy said. “I’m just excited for him. Clinton was one of those guys that I was fortunate to have and that others wished they’d had.”

Pridmore has had the baseball bug since he was 4 and played T-ball for his dad Darryl. He can’t put a finger on what’s so great about the game, but he has been passionate about it since he first picked up a bat and ball.

He likes that there are so many opportunities to succeed in baseball and there are lots of things that can be done that can’t in other sports. He hopes to never stop playing, whether that will include a long career in the majors or as a ringer on a slow-pitch softball team when he’s 45.

“You can lose a game with defense or win a game with offense,” Pridmore explained. “The excitement isn’t as action-packed as football, but when you get that crazy hit with two outs in the bottom of the ninth to win the game — I don’t think there’s anything in the world that can amount to that feeling. The initial excitement and explosion of emotion is incredible; that’s what draws me to this game.”

Ever since he can remember, Pridmore has been one of the most — if not the most — competitive kid on the diamond. When he was young, his parents would have to calm him down after a less-than-stellar performance or loss. Now as an adult, Pridmore’s passion and enthusiam for baseball have only increased.

“He loves the game and works exceptionally hard,” Santa Rosa skipper Damon Neidlinger said. “I wouldn’t be surprised if he started off at first but found his way over back to third. He’s a very strong third baseman. He always made a conscious effort to improve his defense.

“He keeps improving every year. That’s why I’m excited for him — he gets the opportunity to further reach his potential as a player.”

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