Former Gator Matt Den Dekker looking for start in the majors

Former Florida Gator outfielder Matt Den Dekker is looking to get his shot in the big leagues.

Den Dekker was on the New York Mets squad in spring training for the second year this season, but a broken wrist sidelined him for the rest of spring and part of the regular season. He discussed the injury.

The Ft. Lauderdale native and Westminister Academy graduate was a standout at the University of Florida with a .310 average, 33 home runs and 159 RBI. Den Dekker has been regarded by some as one of the best outfielders in school history, and he was one of only two players to be selected to the All-SEC defensive team three years in a row.

Den Dekker is a two time All-SEC pick, named to the All-SEC freshman team in 2007, and he was the only Gator to ever be selected to All-Regional teams on three occasions. He was drafted in the fifth round of the 2010 MLB Draft with the 152nd pick.

Barring a set-back from his injury, Den Dekker will resume with the Mets AAA-affiliate Buffalo Bison this season. He’s done his fair share of traveling, moving up and down the Mets minor league organization, and he talked about adjusting to the different players and teams.

Through three seasons of minor league play, Den Dekker has batted .276, hitting 34 homers and driving in 134 runs. He hopes to be playing by June and continue to work towards his goal of getting the call to play in the big leagues.