Last Friday on Day 2 of the Major League Baseball Draft the Kansas City Royals helped make a local star’s dream become a reality.
The Royals selected outfielder Amalani Fukofuka from James Logan High with the 144th overall pick.
“When I first got drafted, my heart dropped, and I just went crazy," Fukofuka said. "I called my mom and dad and they both started crying.”
The newest Royals prospect was a vital cog in Logan's run to the North Coast Section semifinal game against De La Salle. Fukofuka started the season batting in the third spot in the batting order but was moved to the leadoff spot after the team began to struggle offensively.
The center fielder was needed to provide a spark at the top of the lineup. He did that and more hitting .390 and stealing 15 bases. A two-sport star, Fukofuka was also a major factor for the Colts football team as a wide receiver, helping them reach the North Coast Section championship game.
A budding prospect, Fukofuka said it was around a year ago that the Royals let him know that they were watching him.
“It was during a North-South tryout and I hit a triple right over the center fielder's head during the game, which got the scouts' attention.”
It was at this moment he thought he had a legitimate chance to play professionally, he said. However at first he thought that being drafted wasn’t even in his future. He said that “I actually thought I wasn’t going to get drafted at all. Over the summer I just played all out, prayed, and let whatever happened happen.”
Thankfully for him the scouts took notice and were aware of his potential. He credits his success to his faith, his parents who “are of course my No. 1 supporters”, and his high school coach John Goulding “because without him probably none of this would have happened.”
Post-draft he said he walked away humbled from the experience. Since he was drafted he’s had numerous people ask what it’s like to be a professional athlete, he said. In response he says the biggest thing that he’s taken away from this is that we’re all “just people” and would like to be treated the same way whether he’s playing baseball or not.
When asked if he saw himself in this position as a freshman entering high school four years ago, Fukofuka said "I didn't expect any of this and I just thank God that he gave the chance to do it so I’m gonna take advantage of it.”
