Sports

Malverne Native Kevin McCarthy Drafted by Kansas City Royals

Kevin McCarthy was taken 474th overall.

Kevin McCarthy’s childhood dream came true when he was drafted 474th overall pick by the Kansas City Royals.

The Malverne native and Rockville Centre resident was driving home from his little brother’s little league game, and he kept refreshing his Twitter feed. When he saw his name, he realized all the hard work had paid off.

“It was pretty surreal,” McCarthy said. “It’s a dream when you’re younger, and for it to actually happen is unbelievable.”

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McCarthy, 21, had to come back from a devastating knee injury last season. While long tossing in the outfield, his leg stuck in the ground awkwardly, and he tore his ACL.

“Overcoming that was huge,” McCarthy said. “Never giving up through tough times is important, and it worked out in the end.”

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McCarthy was selected as the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Co-Reliever of the Year in 2013, and was a Second Team All-MAAC selection. He posted a 4-3 record with eight saves and a 4.24 ERA in 22 appearances this season. McCarthy, who struck out 62 in 68 innings, also made five starts and had two complete games.

He features three pitches, including his fastball, change-up and slider, which is the pitch he is still fine-tuning.

“I’m a competitor,” he said. “I’ll never give up, and I will always play to the last out.”

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