The First Mega Prospect?

There are dozens of websites, newsletters and podcasts now that dissect baseball prospects from the time they are in high school until they finally make the majors. Perhaps one of the first prospects to earn national hype was Gregg Jefferies, an infielder selected 20th overall by the Mets in 1985. He was MVP in three different minor leagues and twice named Baseball America’s Minor League Player of the Year. Jefferies burst on the scene in 1988 with the Mets by earning Rookie of the Year votes despite only playing in 29 games. He again earned ROY votes in 1989 and led the NL in doubles in 1990. This jersey was from 1991, his final season with the Mets before he was included as part of a blockbuster trade with the Kansas City Royals. Ultimately Jefferies played in parts of 14 seasons and was a two-time All-Star before a severe hamstring injury ended his career at age 32.