Photos Courtesy of Jose Lozoya
At first glance, bystanders at a recent Durant High School baseball practice would think the tall, lanky blonde player was just another student.
They’d be wrong. He’s a former student.
Right-handed pitcher and Durant High Class of 2024 graduate Chase Mobley, drafted in the tenth round by the Cleveland Guardians in the 2024 MLB Draft, happened to be in his hometown of Plant City in between traveling to Goodyear, Arizona for several off-season camps last summer and fall, and thought he’d spend some time with his former teammates. “I’m just out here supporting the people I’ve played with, talking about the old memories and just throwing the ball around and helping anyone who wants help,” he said.
Butch Valdes, Durant’s head varsity baseball coach, is grateful for the time Mobley spends with his 12 pitchers. “He was a great teammate, a good leader, a good young man both on and off the field,” he said. “It’s great that he feels comfortable enough to come out here and be with the guys before he takes off for the next step in his career.”
Mobley also shared a bit of wisdom that hard work and sacrifices can help them get noticed by professional baseball scouts. When they knew he would be pitching, it wouldn’t be unheard of to see 20 or 30 scouts attending the game, eager to see his 96-101 mph fastball, his “swing and miss” slider and his deceptive changeup. “You have to be able to put in that work every hour of every day,” he said. “You have to make a lot of sacrifices in order to do this.”
Scott Bikowski, Mobley’s agent, said that his work ethic, coupled with passion and ability, is an example to others. “He knows he can be an amazing example for younger players and his community to always respect where you came from and to work hard for your dreams and path,” he said.
Mobley, who fell in love with baseball when he was five years old, praised his family for their unwavering support, from the countless hours spent at ball fields to believing in him to private coaching, in helping him realize his dreams. “I’m so grateful to them for spending every dime to help me be the best version of me and teaching me that dreams can come true with hard work and dedication,” he said. “This was something they worked so hard for.”
His pathway to success was not without its adversity. His father, Gene Mobley, passed away in Aug. 2021 due to complications related to COVID. His mother, Kim Mobley, also faced health challenges. After a bone marrow transplant, she is doing well. While many people worried he would give up on his dreams, he doubled down and worked harder to achieve his goal. “They both invested a lot of time and money in helping make my dream come true,” he said. “I know this is where Dad wants me to be.”
In addition to hanging out at Durant High School, he’s been spending time with his mom and 15-year-old sister Rylee and friends Seth Hogan and Lane Baxter. “I’m just enjoying a couple of months with everyone before I leave for spring training,” he said.
Mobley, who stands six-foot-five and weighs 205 poounds, signed with the Guardians for a 10th round MLB draft record bonus of $1.8 million, smashing the bonus record set two years earlier when they paid Jacob Zibin $1.2 million. The slot money for that pick was $183,600.
With such a windfall, it’d be reasonable to expect an 18-year-old to blow most of it on frivolous big-ticket items. Mobley, a player who’s as grounded as they come, pretends the money’s not there. He did purchase a used vehicle, out of necessity more than want, a 2021 Chevrolet 2500 Duramax. “My mom totaled my old truck that she bought me when I was in high school,” Mobley joked. “Hopefully that truck is going to last me until I’m 25 or 30 years old. At the end of the day, family and friends are more important to me than money will ever be.”
Mobley will leave for spring training Feb. 9, where he will showcase his skills and potentially earn a spot on the 40-man roster. The first game is March 7. “I’m about to go out there for spring training and then off to the races for the regular season,” he said. “I know it’s going to be a long process but I’m excited to earn my place.”