Phillies coveted Eagles WR DeSean Jackson in 2005 MLB draft
By Matt Rappa
The Phillies scouted now-Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson in high school.
Imagine revered public address announcer Dan Baker saying this over the stadium speakers: “Now batting for the Philadelphia Phillies, number 10, center fielder DeSean Jackson.”
Yes, the same Jackson who has played 12 seasons in the National Football League, seven in midnight green with the Philadelphia Eagles. Such a phrase from Baker could have been possible, as the Phillies scouting him at his Long Beach Poly Prep High School, according to The Athletic’s Zach Berman (subscription required).
Fifteen years ago, a Phillies executive asked Southern California area scout Tim Kissner how Jackson’s speed compares to eventual franchise hits leader, shortstop Jimmy Rollins.
Kissner’s reply: “It doesn’t. It’s on another level.”
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For the Phillies, Jackson was a top-level prospect that could be easily selected within the first three rounds in the 2005 draft; they scouted him closely. While he loved both sports, no one could convince Jackson to play professional baseball instead of professional football. Not even the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, who Jackson says they wanted to draft him in the first round, eighth overall.
Instead, the Devil Rays took right-handed pitcher Wade Townsend, who never reached Triple-A, let alone the majors. The Phillies had no first-round pick that year, as they surrendered their pick to the New York Yankees for signing starting pitcher Jon Lieber.
Berman writes that Jackson was rated among the best high school baseball players in the U.S. at the time, even with him not playing the sport year-round:
"“Perfect Game ranked him as the No. 64 high school prospect, ahead of players who became first-round picks in 2005 or three years later in 2008. MLB.com offered this scouting report on Jackson: ‘Lean, wiry body. Small-medium frame. Line-drive stroke, makes contact. Excellent running speed, will become productive base stealer. Loose, live arm w/ carry. Sure handed OF. Outstanding athlete.'”"
Jackson had his sights set on football, and he would eventually play for the California Golden Bears. Yet, scouts still evaluated him in case he changed his mind. Kissner says his speed, athleticism, and ability to play center field was so good that he had no choice but to spend time to scout him. As a high school senior, Jackson hit .296, stole 25 bases and scored 20 runs on as many hits, while posting a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage on six assists.
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Berman added that Kissner “gushed” to the Phillies about Jackson, but conversations “never really got any legs to it” since all the area scouts believed he prioritized football. He referenced a Los Angeles Times article in 2005, which said Jackson “had the makeup of a future major leaguer.”
Fast-forward to 2020, Jackson is a three-time NFL Pro Bowler and holds the NFL record for catching 24 touchdowns of at least 60 yards. And, in an alternate reality, the Phillies could have drafted Jackson in 2005 (if the Devil Rays did not). Had he “flown” through their minor-league system, what would have happened to Shane Victorino in center field? Would they have started both Jackson and Victorino in the outfield in 2009 instead of signing Raul Ibanez following the 2008 World Series championship?
The world will never know.