Yankees Draft Pat White – To Install Wildcat

by Max Caster




In the 48th round of the amateur draft, the New York Yankees selected former West Virginia Quarterback Pat White. White, who hasn’t played baseball since he was in high school, was drafted as an outfielder. He was also the second-round pick of the Miami Dolphins in the 2009 NFL Draft.

This is White’s fourth time being selected in the MLB Draft. Right out of high school, the Angels took him in the 2004 draft. Los Angeles (of Anaheim) drafted him again in 2007 and the Cincinnati Reds grabbed him in 2008.

White turned down opportunities to play baseball to pursue his college football career. At West Virginia, he set over two dozen school records and holds the NCAA record for rushing yards by a quarterback. He started for four seasons with the Mountaineers, winning four bowl games in the process – the only player in NCAA history to do so. His list of achievements is endless.

After an incredibly successful football career, why would White give up his shot at the NFL to finally give baseball a try? The Yankees may have the answer.

The Wildcat Offense has been prevalent in the college ranks for a long time, but only recently did it become a big hit in the pros. This innovative setup allows a team to use their most dangerous weapons in unheard of ways.

Pat White could be a serious threat to any opponent at any time. In college, he was as prolific a rusher as he was a passer. In high school, he was a three-sport athlete, excelling in basketball along with baseball and football. The fact that he’s being scouted and sought by Major League teams despite being 4 years removed from competitive baseball is a testament to White’s athleticism.

The Miami Dolphins is the team that first popularized the Wildcat formation last season. They took White in the NFL Draft specifically for his versatility on the field. However, White may not be able to crack the starting lineup with Quarterbacks Chad Pennington coming off an MVP-type season and Chad Henne as his heir apparent.

That, however, won’t be the case in New York. The Yankees are willing to convert their offense to the Wildcat solely for Pat White, giving him an instantaneous chance to make a difference in the majors and ultimately reinvent baseball. The Yankee organization has more stake in Pat White than the Dolphins do. Even Bill Parcells, Miami’s executive vice president of football operations, is wary of White’s transition to an NFL football field. “Physically, he is not a prototypical NFL quarterback. His height is not prototypical of an NFL quarterback. His weight is not prototypical of an NFL quarterback. But his athletic abilities are superior.” Parcells said.

The 6’1”, 200lbs native of Daphne, Alabama impressed his supporters and doubters alike at this past NFL Combine. He ran his 40-yard dash in 4.55 seconds, the fastest of any quarterback, and posted a 35-inch vertical leap.

The New York Yankees are hoping that White not only changes their offense, but also returns the team to their winning ways of the late 1990’s. After a nine year drought, the Yankees are looking to get back on top and win another title. Since 2000, New York has had several opportunities to do so, but have not been able to get over the hump.

In 2001, they got to Game 7 of the World Series, only to lose late to the Arizona Diamondbacks. They lost in six games against a young Florida Marlins team. And in 2004, after going up three games to none, New York coughed up the ALCS to the Boston Red Sox.

White, being one of the NCAA’s most victorious players, had an overall record of 34-8 as a starter at West Virginia. He displayed his ability to get to and win big games by taking four Bowl wins in four years.

Taking Pat White was a great move for the Yankees. Not only will the most storied franchise in sports alter the way the game is played, they will once again become dynastic, monarchic and autonomous in Major League Baseball.