A surge for Dunedin alum Brian Dopirak
Last July, the Times' Bob Putnam chronicled the struggles former Dunedin baseball great Brian Dopirak, a second-round draft pick in 2002, had in the minor leagues.
Once a big-time prospect with the Cubs organization (he was its minor leaguer of the year in 2004), Dopirak had fallen on hard times after being derailed by injuries and poor on-field performances. After the Cubs released him in March 2008, the Blue Jays signed Dopirak and gave him the opportunity to rejuvenate his career with the team's Class A squad in Dunedin.
It's safe to say he has made the most of his second chance.
A year ago, he played in the Florida State League All-Star Game.
Today, Dopirak, a first baseman, is batting a robust .308 with 19 homers and 68 RBIs for the Jays' Double-A team in New Hampshire.
The other good news: He's still only 25.
You can track Dopirak's progress HERE.
--KEITH NIEBUHR
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The St. Petersburg Times High School Sports blog is written and compiled by the Times preps sports staff from Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco and Hernando counties. We invite your participation in the comments area.
