On Saturday, May 28, 2011 the San Diego Padres beat the Washington Nationals 2-1. Tim Stauffer earned the win and Heath Bell closed the game in the seemingly routine San Diego Padres victory.

This game was anything but routine for one young Padres player. Rookie Logan Forsythe achieved a personal milestone, recording his first major league hit after getting the start at second base.

“My dream of being called up to the big leagues was a great accomplishment,” Forsythe said, “realizing I was in a big league game and actually playing was kind of sublime.”

Forsythe was born on January 14, 1987 in Memphis, Tennessee. He grew up and attended high school in a suburb of Memphis. Forsythe was able to see a couple of St. Louis Cardinals games and saw the Atlanta Braves play as a child but his favorite player growing up was Ken Griffey Jr., specifically when he was with the Seattle Mariners.

Baseball was Forsythe’s primary sport as a youngster, but he also played football and basketball. Forsythe received his love for football from his father and in high school he played running back and wide receiver on offense, and cornerback and safety on defense.

A high school football injury caused Forsythe to miss his freshman year of baseball; after a successful junior year of baseball in high school and a long talk with his father, Forsythe decided to focus solely on baseball his senior year.

The decision proved advantageous for Forsythe when Arkansas offered him a partial scholarship to play baseball in 2005. After three years with the Razorbacks, where he majored in kinesiology, he was drafted in the first round and 46^th overall by the San Diego Padres in 2008.

Although Forsythe primarily played third base in high school, and college he has always been able to play all over the diamond. He started playing shortstop for the first time this season and second base last season.

“I will always take pride in being a great third baseman,” Forsythe said, “over the last year I’ve become so confident at second base that it almost feels unusual at third base even though that is the position that I have played the longest.”

With the utility player becoming more and more valuable to a big league roster, and Forsythe willing to do anything to help the Padres win, Forsythe is working hard to become a solid major league option for the Padres at shortstop, second and third base.

“I do think versatility is a good thing,” Forsythe said, “but with the pride I take in my defense, I would rather be a top player at one position rather than a good player at all three.”

Forsythe likes to get to the ballpark early so he can warm up with stretches and spend time on the exercise bike or treadmill. After he warms up he immediately goes to work in the batting cages.

After he hydrates and gets some food it is time for the team workout. The team workout consists of more stretching and playing catch to warm up the arm.

Next is where Forsythe differs from most players. Forsythe takes groundballs at third base, shortstop, and second base while working on fundamentals. He will take the most ground balls at the position that he is playing that night.

After the team is done fielding, batting practice begins. When batting practice is over he heads back in to the clubhouse to get something to eat and cool down before game time.

After the game Forsythe hits the weight room and works on strength training. Forsythe never wants to be too sore during the season so he will mix it up between lower and upper body and taking a day off when necessary.

Forsythe’s system has him progressing extremely well, making his major league debut just three years after being drafted.

Forsythe was called up to the big league club when everyday second baseman Orlando Hudson was injured. Forsythe had eight hits, three runs scored and two runs batted in with the San Diego Padres.

“More pitchers will challenge you with the fastball at the big league level, especially the young guys,” He said, “you don’t get as many fastballs as you would think in triple-A.”

Forsythe is currently batting .318 with seven homeruns and 30 RBI with the Tucson Padres. He has matched his seven homeruns with seven stolen bases and 23 walks this season.

“My approach has always been back up the middle, if I stay within myself, the power will come.” Forsythe said.

When Forsythe is not working on the field he enjoys hunting and listening to classic rock. At the beginning of this season he was walking up to the music of Johnny Cash. In college his walk-up song was “Big Guns” by ACDC.

At the rate Forsythe is progressing he will be back in a San Diego Padres uniform soon. Follow all of Forsythe’s progress this season and in the future at Friarhood.com.