Aptos Local Signs Contract with San Francisco
Aptos local Haydn King chose the college route after being drafted out of high school by the Oakland A’s. He transferred to the University of Nevada Las Vegas as a sophomore.
Now, the 6-foot-2, 215 pound left-handed pitcher recently signed a $20,000 free-agent minor league contract with the San Francisco Giants.
The Aptos Times asked him about growing up in a sports-minded family and his childhood dreams of a professional baseball career. We also heard from his dad, Matthew, about the role he played.
Here is what they said:
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Born Into Baseball
By Haydn King
I was born into baseball.
Haydn King signs his San Francisco Giants contract on July 21.
I guess you could say I had no choice (haha) … but I couldn’t get enough of the game. As a child I woke up every morning when the sun rose, and believe it or not … I watched baseball highlights on ESPN while everyone else was asleep.
My father and uncle, Matthew & Marc King, were Aptos High school standouts. Both are members of the Aptos High School 50th anniversary baseball team. Both played collegiately. Uncle Marc played professionally with the Montreal Expos while Dad went the coaching and scouting route — first as a coach at Cabrillo, then had a 12-year scouting career. Dad scouted for the Cincinnati Reds, Montreal Expos, and Florida Marlins.
Fortunately, when I was born, my dad stopped traveling and was there to coach me and teach me the game. So many scouts do such amazing and thankless work searching for pro baseball talent, but most of them miss their kids growing up. He never missed a key moment of my brother Brennan or my life. He gave up a pretty fun career but we have had a blast together.
Growing up, I never missed a San Francisco Giants game on TV and went to many games.
Haydn King pitches for the Bourne Braves in the Cape Cod Summer League in 2019.
I learned early that I didn’t handle losing very well because I often cried when the Giants lost. I was a very competitive and emotional player for much of my youth.
My parents were both athletes (my mom, Donya, was an All-American swimmer and whom I got my height and athleticism from. Sorry, Pops). No doubt I credit my love and knowledge of baseball to my father.
Other than my dad coaching me, I give a ton of credit to coach Mike O’Boy (Mike is a fixture in Aptos for his real estate business and community minded focus). He has been a mentor of mine since I was 7 years old.
Many of my greatest memories include playing ball with Mike’s son, and my good friend Jackson … Then doing what my Dad and Mike loved the most: eating after the games. Let’s just say those two enjoyed coaching, but loved spread to celebrate the many victories.
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Great Memories!
By Matthew King
I was always honest with Haydn about his participation in sports — from how he conducted himself as a teammate to his performance.
I finally figured it out when he was around 14 that my analysis didn’t always have a positive impact on him.
Haydn King, age 8, celebrates after his Aptos Little League All-Star team wins the District 39 title.
So I began a process where I told him after his games win or lose / good or bad: “I really enjoyed watching you play …” Then if he wanted to talk about the game we would talk and if not I would leave it alone. That extra space really helped the both of us.
I know when he entered high school that if he passed 6 feet tall and stayed healthy, he would one day have a chance to play professionally.
He had the tools, but he had the intangibles as well. First, he never gives up and he never lets down. When he is behind or flat he always believes he can still prevail. When he is ahead or playing well, he takes no prisoners.
The thing I am proudest of is the fact that:
- He will graduate in less than 4 years with a 3.6 college grade-point average.
- He and his brother are best friends
- He has learned to navigate his competitiveness and emotions (Don’t get me wrong, Haydn still spits nails at times, but maturity has brought the best out in Haydn.)
His mom and I are proudest he is a respectful young man who is learning what it means to be a good human being and navigate life.
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Photos Provided By Matthew King