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Success can prove a sordid or splendid blessing, as it often sucks up many individuals’ humility while compelling other figures to consider themselves fortunate. Josh “Ock” Ockimey situates himself among the latter set, as he has always used any prosperity to proffer thanks to those who have joined his journey. The recent graduate of Ss. Neumann-Goretti High School, 1736 S. 10th St., stands to add legions of loyal supporters as recipients of gratitude, as he will make his professional baseball debut tomorrow in Florida for the Gulf Coast League Red Sox.
“I couldn’t be happier because I’m going to be a part of a great organization,” the 18-year-old said Friday, three days before flying to the Sunshine State. “I’m very appreciative for this chance, and I’m definitely looking to give back to everyone who’s helped me.”
The Southwest Philly product became the Boston Red Sox’ fifth-round draft pick June 6 and immediately pondered the choice between packing his bags or preparing to honor his commitment to Indiana University. Eager to encounter robust hurlers, he chose to chase his dream yet revealed reneging on his college course came with a touch of regret.
“The whole process was a mental roller coaster,” the 164th overall selection said. “It was especially intense within the last week, of course, but I had a few moments during the season where I wondered what everything would lead to.”
Upon his having a lackluster game for the East Passyunk Crossing-based Saints, Ockimey would say for certain that he would head to Indiana for tutelage and whenever he would turn in a great game, which was usually the case during his four-year tenure as a starting first baseman, he would hope scouts would be observing his dedication and would yearn for placement among the thousands of youngsters who go in the 40-round draft. His anticipation overtook his consternation two weeks ago when he and his family, while driving along the Pennsylvania Turnpike, learned his fate.
“I had the draft livestreaming on my phone, but it cut off just before the Red Sox would end up taking me,” Ockimey said of the only less-than-perfect aspect of his day. “When we got the news, there was an outburst of joy. I’m thrilled to be on my way.”
The slugger spent his final weekend in Philly thanking his helpers in preparing him for his sojourn. Desiring by age 22 or 23 to give them a look at his defensive and offensive adjustments, he knows baseball is as much of a business as it is a game and that even the most fervent application of one’s skills might not register with upper management, but he plans to give his all, just as he did at Neumann-Goretti.
“My mindset from my time there won’t waver,” Ockimey said. “We learned there might be people who have more experience or intelligence but regardless of that, we knew we couldn’t let anyone outwork us. I will be the same way for the Red Sox.”
The ever-evolving young man came to Neumann-Goretti with an already robust pedigree, having logged duties with the Philadelphia Stars through Steve Bandura, overseer of the Anderson Monarchs at the Marian Anderson Recreation Center, 744 S. 17th St., and enjoying success at the Delaware Valley Youth Athletic Association, 2840 S. 18th St. Having experienced a resurgence late last decade, including capturing the 2009 Catholic League championship, the Saints gladly welcomed his sweet swing and leadership potential.
“He stepped into his role immediately and knew he had big shoes to fill,” assistant coach Joseph Messina said in a nod to ’10 alumnus Mark Donato, now a part of the Kansas City Royals’ minor-league system. “What unfolded was amazing to experience and validated that Josh is really a great kid who comes from a great family.”
The resident of the 2700 block of South Marvine Street reveled in regaling Ockimey as a key component of another stable clan and has often commended the teen when instructing his charges at Delaware Valley. The lone coach to oversee all four years of his Neumann-Goretti stint, Messina is rife with reflections of his commitment, including his deciding to work out the day after May 23’s Catholic League-title-clinching thumping of Roman Catholic High School over giving himself a rest.
“His ethic is second to none,” Messina said. “He became a terrific leader, and we’re going to miss him, but we’re pretty confident that it’s only a matter of time before we’ll have plenty to cheer for.”
A model of consistency, Ockimey claimed three All-Catholic nods and won this year’s Blue Division MVP. His squads claimed three Catholic League crowns, including this year’s plaque, and four Class AA City championships. Saving his best for last, he tallied career highs in at-bats, hits, runs, RBI and average this season for the 23-5 diamond dwellers, with his last knock driving in his 100th run in June 9’s state semifinal loss. He leaves Neumann-Goretti with a .411 average and 13 home runs, too, but no matter how impressive his figures are, they matter to him only with respect to how often he guided his team to victory.
“That’s what will stand out, the wins,” Ockimey said, noting how fun the Saints’ run to this year’s Catholic League title was, with the fearless figures winning five elimination games. “I’ll always root for those guys.”
The team honored the pacesetter by retiring his No. 30 jersey, and Messina noted that should the Red Sox promote him to the parent club, he will make the trip to Boston if he debuts at Fenway Park and added Citizens Bank Park will be a sea of support upon his Philadelphia premiere.
“This is where real life starts,” Ockimey said. “I’m never backing down from this challenge.” SPR
Contact Managing Editor Joseph Myers at jmyers@southphillyreview.com or ext. 124.
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