Jackson Cluff's Unconventional Path to Mets

0:00It's March 1st, here's your New York meds news in two minutes. Subscribe to stay locked in all season. With Francisco Lindoor out, due to a Hamate injury this spring, the New York meds have opened up more chances as shortstop for other players. One standout is 29-year-old minor-leager Jackson Cluff, who made an impressive diving stop and throw on a tough grounder during a recent game in Florida. Cluff has followed an unusual row to Pro Baseball. After his freshman year at Brigham Young University, he stepped away from school in the sport for two years to serve a church mission as a practicing Mormon. That mission took him to Atlanta, where he focused on sharing his faith, door-to-door, and community service. It was a family tradition. His dad and brother did the same, though not far from home, like some others, who went to places like Norway or Brazil. Back at college as a 22-year-old sophomore. Cluff had a strong final season and signed right away when the Washington Nationals drafted him in. The sixth round of the 2019 amateur draft, his first full pro-year guy canceled by COVID,

1:05but he climbed to triple A by last season. Now in Met's camp, Cluff knows the competition is stiff, but stays optimistic about reaching the majors this year. He has no regrets about pausing his career, saying it strengthened his faith and outlook more than anything in baseball. This story is made possible by our sponsor. No earbuds, no headbands, no awkward sleeping positions, just a pillow that plays your sound, S-O-L-I. S-O-L-I-Pillow.com.