Moniak: Ties to Ted Williams 'definitely influenced my game'

The Philadelphia Phillies drafted California high school outfielder Mickey Moniak with the first overall selection of the MLB draft Thursday and while the organization believes they got the "best player" available, they also received someone with ties to an all-time great hitter.

"My grandpop (Bill Moniak) got drafted by the Red Sox out of high school in '58," Moniak told Ryan Lawrence at The Philly Voice. "He was bonus baby before they had the draft. His hitting coach was Ted Williams for I don't know how long. It definitely influenced my game, my approach, how I hit and play baseball. So that's been huge in my development as a baseball player."

Moniak, who had a fond interest in Williams growing up because of his grandfather's ties, makes sure to use advice passed down to him in his current hitting approach, which helped him become the first Phillies No. 1 overall selection since Pat Burrell in 1998.

"The main thing he taught me that Ted taught him was mostly about approach, what you're looking to do at the plate," Moniak explained. "(If) it's 0-0, the pitcher makes a good pitch on the outside corner, let them have it. (If it's) 0-1, makes another good pitch outside corner or inside corner, let him have it. But once you get to 0-2, you have to get up on the plate and look to put the ball in play. The pitcher is never going to beat you. That's the main mentality. It's just you versus him. That's definitely what he's passed down to me."

But before Moniak can dive into playing professional ball, he's still got a contract to sign and a diploma to receive. The 18-year-old officially graduates from high school Friday.