SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) – Eight days ago, life changed dramatically for Sioux Falls native Marcus Phillips.
He was drafted by the Red Sox in the 1st round out of Tennessee, but as Sports Director Mark Ovenden tells us, this dream started a long time ago for our Karl’s TV & Appliance Athlete of the Week.
“I’ve been playing baseball since I was 2 years old and since I was 5, I guess if I have to give you an age, I’ve been wanting to play this sport professionally my entire life. So now kind of standing in and getting an opportunity to do so is pretty crazy for me,” said Marcus.
“I mean it’s special for us because we’ll be competing in the same spot he was competing. And just for someone from Sioux Falls to get drafted is kind of absurd,” Kenson Henderson, SF Little League said.
My word was surreal. But his career dream actually took hold when he was playing for the Little League team in the World Series back in 2017. And how he handled the pressure even impressed his dad, who played in the Yankees organization.
“The thing that stood out the most was the first night he pitched on a Friday and that stadium is packed and he doesn’t look like he’s overwhelmed by that environment,” Steve Phillips said.
“I was just living in the moment man. It probably meant a lot to him because he was able to sit there and watch it but I was just playing and living the dream,” Marcus said.
But what he was also doing by taking the first Sioux Falls team to Williamsport was showing future Little Leaguers what was possible.
“Any kid that has a dream or goal, pursue that goal 110% all day, every day. Marcus is a great example of dedication and hard work. It can take you anywhere,” said Ryan Vavruska, SF Little League Head Coach.
And after his high school days at Roosevelt and eventually junior college, he ended up on the biggest stage in college baseball at Tennessee where the Vols won the National Championship.
“Playing in those stadiums against that competition was definitely a challenge. And I felt like going from a reliever last year to a starter and being able to handle that the way he has, to me proved that he could continue to develop and deserved an opportunity at the next level,” said Steve.
And the Red Sox agreed, taking him 33rd overall as a projected starter where he maintained his velocity further into games than any pitcher in college baseball.
“I love the game for one. But I think as a starter you get to have a routine, you get to stick with it, you get to start games, you get to create the narrative of the game for your team and as a starter I believe that’s my job and I love to do that,” Marcus said.
And all his hard work led to a pretty amazing Sunday evening shared with his friends and family, waiting to hear his name called on national TV.
“We were just excited that he was going to get a chance to be drafted. We actually were feeling and were excited about the fact that he was going to go early in the 2nd round. So now here he is in the first round and it’s even more heightened and more exciting so,” Steve said.
“You’re going to be playing a kids game for your career. How cool is that?” Ovenden asked.
“It’s cool man, it’s cool. It’s something I’ve dreamed of since I was young and I’m really excited to get this career started,” Marcus said.
Copyright 2025 Dakota News Now. All rights reserved.