Justin Greene was cut by his high school baseball team three times before finally earning a spot his junior year. He played sparingly his final two years at Stratford high, but Francis Marion head coach Art Inabinet gave him a shot as a walk-on, but told him he'd probably never play for the Patriots. Instead, Greene flourished, and was drafted by the Chicago White Sox.
Two years later, Greene has been called up to the high 'A' Winston-Salem Dash, and had his Carolina League debut in his home state. The Pelicans hosted the Dash for a three game set this weekend, and Greene started in the second game. His first Carolina League at-bat happened to be against two-time all-star Tim Hudson. Greene calmly took a five pitch walk, and was the only batter in two innings to reach base against Hudson.
Monday night Greene began his night with a double and a run scored, but then struck out four consecutive times in the Dash's 7-3 victory.
Every step of his career, Greene has faced doubters. He's always been fast, that's why he earned a spot on the Francis Marion roster. But the struggle for Greene has been the rest of the game, especially hitting off-speed pitches. But the Goose Creek native has improved every step of the way, using the voices of those who doubted him as motivation.
"It taught me to not to worry things I can't control, just to stay grounded," said Greene. "It's something I always keep in my mind, to feel like an underdog."
Greene has not acted like an underdog. Last year he led the South Atlantic lead in steals, and last year set a league record hitting in 20 consecutive games.
Greene has come a long way since being cut at Stratford High. The centerfielder is climbing up the minor league ranks, leaving nothing but doubters in his wake.
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