Ian Clarkin: Pitcher Apologizes for Yankees Comments [VIDEO]
Yankees first-round pick Ian Clarkin used his first opportunity to speak to the New York media to say he was sorry for saying he "cannot stand" the Yankees after a pre-draft interview.
"First and foremost, I want to apologize to all the Yankee fans for my comments," Clarkin said.
Right after the 18-year-old left-handed pitcher was announced as the final pick, No. 33, of the first round of the draft on Thursday, MLB Network aired a video in a nationally televised broadcast in which Clarkin said his top baseball moment growing up was watching the Arizona Diamondbacks beat the Yankees in the 2001 World Series.
"I cannot stand the Yankees, so I was actually in tears I was so happy," Clarkin said.
During a phone interview with MLB Network's Sam Ryan on June 7, Clarkin said, "Now I do love them."
During the call, Clarkin apologized three times for his comments and explained that he was only 6 years old in 2001 and said he wanted the Diamondbacks because they were the underdogs.
The Yankees are not as concerned with Clarkin's comments as they are with whether or not the team will be able to sign him.
"It will just have to come down to life-changing money," Clarkin said.
Clarkin, who lives in San Diego, said he would have to talk the decision over with his family, what is best for him and how much the monetary amount the Yankees offer him in his contract would change their lives.
The player is considered to have the best curveball of any high school player in the draft, and he is ranked No. 43 in Keith Law's Top 100 prospects.
Clarkin could choose to stay in his hometown and play for the University of San Diego to which he had previously committed to do.
View a video of Clarkin's comments here.
