“I’m trying to make more mental adjustments right now…” (Brian McFall, minor league baseball player, July 2003)

This featured story appeared in the Arizona Daily Sun in July 2003.

PROMISING ROOKIE

By Ed Odeven

Brian McFall isn’t having any trouble adjusting to the minor leagues.

Now playing for the Arizona Royals I, one of two Kansas City rookie ballclubs in the eight-team Arizona League, McFall has made a smooth transition from junior college to the minors. And while doing so he has shown the same productive hitting stroke that made him a star at Sinagua High School and a standout at Chandler-Gilbert Community College.

Through Thursday, McFall was batting .301 with four homers and 24 RBIs, both of which are tied for second in the short-season rookie league that started in late June. McFall’s 12 extra-base hits are tied for fourth. He has a .566 slugging percentage and a .371 on-base percentage.

Instead of patting himself on the back for his offensive accomplishments, McFall has decided to…