La Quinta’s Laird Reflects on Busy Day

Gerald Laird admitted “feeling nervous” Tuesday, as he waited to find out if his name would be called in the first day of Major League Baseball’s free agent draft.

“Playing Major League Baseball has been my dream as long as I can remember,” Laird said.

And if disappointed with his second-round selection by Oakland--after being projected by some as a first-round pick--Laird didn’t have time to think about it. Not with La Quinta battling Monrovia to reach the section Division IV final Saturday at Dodger Stadium.

After La Quinta won, 3-2, Laird’s elation and relief were apparent.

“The draft, the records, batting .600--it’s a great feeling. But it will never top feeling like this,” Laird said after the victory.

La Quinta Coach Dave Demarest said Laird should not be disappointed.

“[Scouts] tell 100 kids they’re number one picks but only 30 are chosen,” Demarest said. “Gerald was the second pick in the second round--number 45 overall . . . That’s quite an accomplishment.”

Laird’s father Gerald Jr., who took the call from Oakland officials at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, said the family was excited.

“I told him before he left the house today, ‘Mi hijo, no matter where you are going today you have already made me proud,’ ” Gerald Jr. said.