Kent Bridge native Luke Van Rycheghem catches at the Rogers Centre in Toronto (Photo courtesy of Rosie Van Rycheghem)Kent Bridge native Luke Van Rycheghem catches at the Rogers Centre in Toronto (Photo courtesy of Rosie Van Rycheghem)
Sarnia

Van Rycheghem To Join The Diamondbacks

Chatham-Kent's Luke Van Rycheghem is just a few weeks away from joining the Arizona Diamondbacks.

The farmboy from Kent Bridge was selected by the club in the 23rd round of the Major League Baseball draft (689th overall) and plans to head to Arizona shortly after he graduates from Ursuline College Chatham.

"It's cool, I think they drafted like four Canadians," says Van Rycheghem. "When you're going to a place you don't really know, it's nice to have people you know there to make you feel at home."

Van Rycheghem has spent the last few seasons behind the plate as a catcher, if the draft is any indication, he'll be making a position change as he joins the Diamondbacks. The club drafted him as a first-baseman.

"I just started catching two years ago," says Van Rycheghem. "It's a little frustrating knowing that you put all that hard work into perfecting that position, but I'm still excited about the opportunity."

Van Rycheghem had previously committed to Stetson University in Florida, but says now that he has an offer from Arizona, he'll be joining them instead.

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