Swimming Upstream: "Opportunity" with Special Guest Angelo DiSpigna

In this interview, Miami Marlins INF Angelo DiSpigna tells Alex Carver about deciding to pursue baseball over football, his collegiate career at Mercer University and Georgia Tech, the adjustments he's made in 2023, signing with the organization as an undrafted free agent and much more.

After four seasons at Mercer, DiSpigna transferred to Georgia Tech for his final year of college eligibility. He led the team in OPS (1.176) while playing in all 57 games. He was teammates with outfielder Jake DeLeo, who the Marlins would select with their sixth-round pick in the MLB Draft.

DiSpigna says he was "pretty confident" in the progress he made and his chances of being drafted.

"You'd think with my athleticism, speed, power, average, all that, you'd think it would, but at the end of the day, it doesn't matter. Once you get here, I've realized you're all on the same playing field, regardless if you signed for $5 million or you signed for five grand. It doesn't matter. Just the opportunity is most important."

DiSpigna saw his first minor league action with the FCL Marlins. In 17 games (splitting time between first base and designated hitter), he slashed an outstanding .373/.515/.627 (194 wRC+) with more walks than strikeouts.

Soon after the complex league season ended, the Marlins invited DiSpigna to take live batting practice at LoanDepot Park against a rehabbing Johnny Cueto. He discussed that experience with FOF's Daniel Rodriguez.

Turning 24 in November, DiSpigna projects to begin the 2024 season with Single-A Jupiter. He could progress rapidly from there if he continues to rake like some of Miami's other recent undrafted free agents, Paul McIntosh and Jake Thompson.

Follow Angelo (@AngeloDiSpigna), Alex (@marlinsminors) and Fish On First (@FishOnFirst) on Twitter. Complete Miami Marlins coverage here at FishOnFirst.com.

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