Flash Gordon on hand to see 2nd son drafted

SECAUCUS, N.J. - Tom Gordon was dressed appropriately.

Given the nickname ''Flash'' during his 21-year career as a major league pitcher, Gordon wore a natty vest and pinstriped suit for a special occasion Thursday night at MLB Network Studios.

His son, Nick, was drafted fifth overall by the Minnesota Twins - carrying on a family tradition. Nick Gordon's older brother, Dee, is having a solid season as the starting second baseman for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

''Being around the game and experiencing all that stuff, it's crazy when you experience it for yourself. I mean, you can be there and be around the game as much as you want, but when it's actually happening to you, it's a totally different feeling,'' Nick Gordon said. 

''I mean, it's helped me to prepare for the things that I'm about to get ready to go through. But this feeling, you have to feel it for yourself to know this feeling.''

Nick Gordon, an athletic high school shortstop from Florida, said Derek Jeter is his idol. Jeter and Tom Gordon, a three-time All-Star, were teammates with the Yankees from 2004-05.

''My favorite memories were New York when I used to go in and talk to Derek Jeter and he used to tell me things and give me wristbands and batting gloves and shoes and all that,'' Nick Gordon said. ''That was so great to me. I remember every bit of it, every little moment that we had in New York, just being able to go on the field and play catch with my dad, and he used to take us out in center field and let us hit balls in the seats. I mean, it felt like the greatest thing ever.''

Wearing a Twins jersey and cap, Nick Gordon was asked what he thought about playing in Minnesota.

''I know it's very cold,'' he said. ''I'm ready to adjust to the climate and get out there.''

But when he took a phone call from the Twins, Nick Gordon couldn't quite make out who was on the line in all the commotion.

''I think it was the GM,'' he said. ''I know it's somebody very important.''

Father and son posed for pictures together after a big embrace.

''It's just so hard taking this all in right now,'' Nick Gordon said. ''It's the greatest feeling.''

Tom Gordon said waiting to find out where his son would be selected was much more nerve-wracking than trying to close out a playoff game in the late innings.

''I know what you all are saying: Is Flash really that short?'' he said. ''To get Nicholas into this position, along with what his brother's doing, it's a wonderful feat for us.''