As a two-year starter at Florida State University, Diaz helped lead the Seminoles to two College World Series appearances, including the 1999 title game vs. the University of Miami. He was named the Sporting News man of the Year in 1998, and a First Team All-American (American Baseball Coaches Association, National Baseball College Writers\' Association) in 1999.\n', '

He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in the 1999 Major League Baseball Draft in the 17th round.\n', '

Despite being among the Devil Rays\' minor league career leaders in hits and extra base hits, Diaz had a tough time in the majors, hitting only .167 in 30 at-bats in his two years with the Devil Rays.\n', '

Return to Matt Diaz Autograph Profile