The Phillies tradition of scouring Australia for young talent has produced a number of young prospects. With the signing of Daniel Schmidt, they've added a left-handed pitching prospect to the mix. "All lefties are of interest to us in pro ball", said Phillies scout Kevin Hooker at Schmidt's signing.
"I¹m rapt to sign with the Phillies as I now get the opportunity to pursuemy dreams of playing professional baseball," said an excited Schmidt. "It will be great to be playing with other Aussies especially two of my fellow team mates from Melville Braves plus several other players from local Perth clubs," he said at his
signing recently in Perth.
Mitch Graham and Tim Kennelly were teammates with Schmidt on the Melville Braves. Graham played with the Gulf Coast League Phillies in 2004, but missed last season after suffering serious injuries in a car accident. Kennelly made his pro debut with the GCL Phillies in 2005.