Wings' Chang Likes Underdog Route To Pro Ball
By: Thad Brown
Updated: May 22, 2012
Ray Chang thought he would get drafted. The Phillies told Chang they would take him.
They never did.
Instead, Chang had to attend three different open tryouts before a scout called and said, "Do you want to be a Padre?" "The seven greatest words I've ever heard," Chang said. "It was hard, but I'm glad I went through that. It made me the player I am today."
He's now a Triple-A veteran with hopes of still cracking the big leagues. He talks with his parents before and after every game, but almost never in person.
Chang's father is the only cook at the family restaurant back in Kansas City. "He's stubborn, but I don't blame him," Chang said. Dad works seven days a week and has only seen Chang play in person once five years ago in Oklahoma City. Chang occasionally helps out during the offseason.
Would Mr. Chang take a day off if Ray got a call to the majors? "Definitely," Chang said laughing. "We've already had that conversation. He'd take a day off."
They never did.
Instead, Chang had to attend three different open tryouts before a scout called and said, "Do you want to be a Padre?" "The seven greatest words I've ever heard," Chang said. "It was hard, but I'm glad I went through that. It made me the player I am today."
He's now a Triple-A veteran with hopes of still cracking the big leagues. He talks with his parents before and after every game, but almost never in person.
Chang's father is the only cook at the family restaurant back in Kansas City. "He's stubborn, but I don't blame him," Chang said. Dad works seven days a week and has only seen Chang play in person once five years ago in Oklahoma City. Chang occasionally helps out during the offseason.
Would Mr. Chang take a day off if Ray got a call to the majors? "Definitely," Chang said laughing. "We've already had that conversation. He'd take a day off."
