WEST CHESTER TOWNSHIP, Ohio -- When Jacob May runs out to center field next week in Chicago he will become the first Lakota West baseball player to appear in the majors.
“I am extremely happy for him,” former Lakota West baseball coach Bill Dreisbach told WCPO.com Wednesday morning. “It’s a great accomplishment. We are all really proud of him.”
MLB.com reported Tuesday that May, a 2010 Lakota West graduate and grandson of former Reds great Lee May, will be the starting center fielder when the White Sox host Detroit at Guaranteed Rate Field April 3.
“This is a young man who has paid his dues,” Lakota West Principal Elgin Card told WCPO.com. “He always had a wonderful smile. He’s a good kid who has a good work ethic. He worked his behind off. He’s earned it.”
Card, who knows May’s family, said he’s considering a road trip to Chicago sometime this season to watch May.
Dreisbach, who coached May in high school, saw the news on Twitter and sent his congratulations to May in a direct message.
“We’re totally thrilled,” Dreisbach said. “We’ve never had a big leaguer from Lakota West and I don’t think there has ever been a big leaguer from Lakota (before the split of schools in 1997) either so he is breaking new ground. We’re very proud of him.”
May, a switch-hitter, reportedly may be in the leadoff spot for the White Sox on Opening Day. One thing is certain: May earned the starting position. He’s dealt with a number of injuries over the past few years and MLB.com said he was an under-the-radar candidate for the starting job.
"People didn't expect too much from me,” May told MLB.com. “I know the organization knows what I'm capable of doing, which is all that really matters. Everyone else has opinions as well.
"But as long as everyone in that locker room knows what I'm capable of, that's all I can care about. I just wanted to play my butt off. I wanted to play hard and just have my teammates' back and be a good locker room guy. Stay humble and continue to learn every day and get better."
May was a three-year letter-winner for the Firebirds. He started as a sophomore.
“He was a very talented young man who loved the game,” Dreisbach. “He was one of those guys that would put in the extra time. He was always working on getting better -- working on the field defensively or getting in extra swings.”
May was drafted by the Reds out of high school but opted to play three years at Coastal Carolina University. He was drafted in the third round by the White Sox in 2013.
“I am thrilled for Jacob,” Dreisbach said. “I can’t wait to watch him on TV.”
Lakota West has had four professional baseball players including May. First baseman Ben Humphrey, pitcher Matt Klinker and pitcher Nathan Smith have played in the minor leagues. Smith was close to being called up by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim last fall beforesuffering an elbow injury.
