Jeff Karstens: The Will To Fight

When asked to name players within the New York Yankees organization, I guarantee you that Jeff Karstens would not be near the top of the list. And while he may not be a superstar or even have a spot on the major league club, this 25-year-old kid has a work ethic and determination that anyone can admire. On September 24, 1982, deep in southern California, Mr. and Mrs. Karstens gave birth to a little boy who, although they didn't know at the time, had a great talent and an even greater will. In his senior year of high school, young Jeff Karstens earned the titles of Mount Miguel High School's most valuable player, First-Team All-Conference Honors selection, and Second-Team All-San Diego selection. Posting an 8-2 record and an ERA under three, the teenage hurler showed how talented he truly was. Four years later, during the 19th round of the 2003 amateur draft, Karstens received a call from The New York Yankees, giving him the oppurtunity to reach the top of his trade with the ... [link]