Padres add 17-year-old Australian John Hussey

John Hussey turns 18 in late November. The Australian pitcher had been scouted by a number of teams but the San Diego Padres wasted no time signing the right-hander. Known as “Huss”, he signed a deal with the Friars when they shot a six figure signing bonus his way at the end of August.

John Hussey has been adamant about coming over to the USA. But what he really wanted was to play for a college team before signing a professional contract.

He just got too good.

Bye-bye University of Hawaii who offered Hussey a scholarship.

Padres’Australian scout Trevor Schumm and his boss Randy Smith were in agreement on Hussey. They both thought highly of the youngster and were impressed by his advanced mechanics.

“He has three pitches which should develop into above average Major League stuff. We are very excited about his future,” Schumm told The VIS.

His favorite quote:

“The difference between a successful person and other is, not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will.”

Sounds like a good find. He will report to spring training in March.