Cards draft pick Wacha makes signing a family affair

June 16, 2012

Top draftees get all the headlines, but there are usually plenty of people supporting them behind the scenes.

Tom and Karen Wacha are two of those people.

The parents of 19th overall selection Michael Wacha watched their 20-year-old son officially sign his contract with the Cardinals on Thursday afternoon. Naturally, you couldn't wipe the smile off their faces.

See Wacha's scouting report HERE >>

"This is a day we've been hopeful would come," Tom said. "It's so exciting for Michael, especially with the hard work he put in from Little League to high school to college. This is a kid who was trying to hit his goal, and here he is."

General manager John Mozeliak was on hand for the ceremony along with scouting director Dan Kantrovitz and scout Ralph Garr Jr., who tracked the 6-foot-6 right-hander out of Texas A&M.

After officially joining the St. Louis franchise, Wacha and his parents watched batting practice at Busch Stadium and met with current Cardinals including Jon Jay and manager Mike Matheny.

-- Gabriel Kiley