Anthony McQuade settled under a long fly ball and wanted to keep the souvenir. The long blast came off the bat of Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano and all McQuade could do was throw the ball back. The St. John the Baptist outfielder was standing in the green grass of the Tutelo Stadium in San Pedro de Macoris.
"I just wanted to keep it," McQuade laughed. "I was standing out there and couldn't believe I was really shagging flies for Robinson Cano. It was incredible."
McQuade and Connetquot catcher Ryan Jordan were invited to work out with Cano during a two-hour session. The two Long Island high schoolers jumped at the opportunity to work out with one of New York's most popular players.
"We warmed up, did some stretching, and then we got into it." Jordan said. "Cano is amazing. He was hitting balls well over 400 feet and completely out of the stadium. It was so strong and his swing was effortless."
By McQuade's count, Cano blasted more than a dozen balls over the rightfield fence.
"For every one I caught, he hit another out of sight," he said. "It was a real eye opener for me. He had incredible power."
Cano also gave pointers in the middle infield with another high school athlete, Canadian Ron Zippor. As Cano instructed the second baseman on the finer points of the infield, McQuade and Jordan stood nearby and took in the lesson.
"Cano's a great guy, a real friendly dude," McQuade said. "He made everyone feel real comfortable."
The stands began to fill with admirers and curiousity seekers. Cano kidded with his friends and family throughout the workout. He found humor in some of his swings and was pleased with many others. He hit four rounds of batting practice before stepping out of the cage to allow McQuade and Jordan to get some swings.
"Showtime," Jordan laughed. "This is the greatest day of my life. Are you kidding me? We're really here with Robinson Cano. And have the pictures to prove it."
After the two walked across the infield, they sat on the bench with Cano and thanked him for a memorable day. They beamed for a photo opportunity.
"This is the way everyone should kick off the baseball season," Jordan said. "This is great."
