10 Facts! 1. Born in the Bronx! Grew up in the Throg's Neck Area. Lehman High School. If I find one Derek Jeter tee-shirt in your sports bag, it's code red time, kid. 2. Signed as an undrafted free agent! 3. His junior college coach? Mackey F. Sasser! Mackey also recommended him to the Mets. "I told Tommy, 'I can't believe nobody drafted T.J. You can't go wrong with him!'" (And the Mets better give him Sasser's #2 if they know what's good for them.) 4. In six minor league seasons, he has batted .300 or better five times. He's batted .320 or better each of the last four years. 5. Even if you're a Puerto Rican-American from the Bronx, when you're a ballplayer going to school in the south, you meet and fall for chicks named Ashton. It's just the way it is. Good choice in dress colors, Ashie. 6. They went for the chocolate fountain at the wedding. Had they called me, I'd've advised against it.
7. Two-time PCL Player of the Week this season. Also was a Player of the Month back in May when he hit .373 with five homers. 8. Wally has used him at first, second, and third this season, as well as eight games in left. He's played 139 games in the minors at shortstop, but none this season. 9. His 11 homers this season represents his career high. Thank you, PCL. 10. Hopes to play for Puerto Rico in the 2017 WBC. If any team doesn't need ringers from the Bronx, though, its Puerto Rico.