Encinitas, Hometown of First-Overall MLB Draft Pick Mickey Moniak, Declares Day in His Honor

ENCINITAS, CA — In the history of Major League Baseball, there have been 52 first-overall draft picks and one of them has come from Encinitas.

In June, the Philadelphia Phillies selected 18-year-old Leucadia resident Mickey Moniak with the first selection in the 2016 MLB Draft. Moniak will look to follow in the footsteps of Ken Griffey Jr., who recently became the first player selected first overall in the MLB Draft to also be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

The 6-foot-2-inch Moniak had committed to play at University of California at Los Angeles this fall, but his destiny has changed.

"It's just an honor to be a No. 1 draft pick. There's only one every year," Moniak said in an interview posted on MLB.com. "To be named with guys who have solidified themselves in the big leagues as great players, that's just the ultimate goal ... It's an honor to be selected No. 1 and decide to be a Phillie."

To acknowledge his achievement and signal the community's support for Moniak in pursuing his dreams, the city of Encinitas announced in a news release Thursday that it will proclaim Sept. 14 as Mickey Moniak Day.

"Mickey Moniak Day in Encinitas will serve as a reminder to the community that any Encinitas resident can accomplish their goals and ambitions, just like Moniak has. The city is proud of everything that he has accomplished thus far, and wants to show him that the city supports him in all of his future endeavors with the MLB."

"Congratulations to Mickey! He is an impressive baseball player, and we are so proud that our Leucadia star will be joining the big league," said Encinitas Mayor Kristin Gaspar. "Know that the city of Encinitas will be cheering you on, whoever and wherever you are playing. We’re excited for you to show the rest of the nation exactly what you’re capable of!"

An Encinitas resident since 2008, Moniak isn’t only a star on the baseball field: he has worked hard in every aspect of his life, including his schoolwork at La Costa Canyon High School.

"Mickey was the epitome of a great student athlete; on the field and off Mickey was always working hard," said coach Justin Machado. "He may have a gold medal from Team USA, but that’s not what defines him. He’s a grounded, capable and level headed player — even at 18 years old, which is impressive. I can’t wait to watch him play his first major league game. We’re all so proud of him."

Moniak and his parents will be present to receive his proclamation.

"We couldn’t be more proud of Mickey, and we’re excited that the city of Encinitas is showing him great support. Who knew our son would have a day named after him! It’s an incredible honor, and we’re so pleased to be a part of it," his parents said.

The official proclamation of Mickey Moniak will occur at the Sept. 14 City Council meeting, which begins at 6 p.m. and is open to the public.

(Photos/Dylan Hadley and MLB.com)