Chip Ambres - Florida Marlins

Florida Marlins

Ambres was born in Beaumont, Texas. As a senior at West Brook Senior High School in Beaumont, Texas, Ambres was named a second team All-American by Baseball America, a USA Today All-USA high school baseball team member, and was a highly recruited quarterback. Ambres signed a National Letter of Intent to play football at Texas A&M University, but opted for baseball after he was selected 27th overall by the Florida Marlins in the 1998 Major League Baseball Draft and offered a $1.5 million signing bonus.

Ambres' first season as a pro had a memorable moment at the end of the year. After being called up to the Single-A Utica Blue Sox in mid-season, the 19-year-old finished the 1999 regular season with the club, driving in 15 runs in only 28 games.

In 2000, Ambres was named the No. 6 prospect in the Marlins organization by Baseball America. Ambres became a free agent at the end of the season.