White Sox prospect Zack Collins enjoys celebrity status in return home

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MIAMI -- Zack Collins had a microphone in his face everywhere he turned on Sunday afternoon.

The University of Miami-product was one of the most popular players at Marlins Park as he returned home for the All-Star Futures Game. The White Sox catching prospect grew up in nearby Pembroke Pines, Fla and attended American Heritage High School in Plantation.

Collins, who’s in his first full professional season, hoped he’d be considered for the contest as far back as last year when he learned Miami would host the 2017 exhibition. Collins went 0-for-1 with a strikeout.

“It was always in the back of my mind,” Collins said. “I knew the All-Star Game and the Futures Game were going to be here. That was one of my main goals was to get here. It feels great to be back home again.”

Collins is hitting .211/.369/.411 with 11 home runs and 33 RBIs in 314 plate appearances at Single-A Winston-Salem. While his average is down, Collins has improved his catch and throw. He’s thrown out 35 of 86 stolen-base attempts (41 percent) after nailing only three of 18 in his first season. Collins, who had a number of family and friends in the stands, said he emphasized defense and isn’t very concerned by his offensive performance.

“This year I was pretty much mainly focused on getting the defensive side better because I know the hitting is going to come around,” Collins said. “Some people are kind of worried about my hitting, but I’m not worried about it. It has been great so far. I feel like I’ve done great defensively and keep swinging it and everything will come together.”

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A lifelong Marlins fan, Collins was excited to have a temporary stall in the home clubhouse. He spent time in front of the memorial locker left in place for Jose Fernandez, who died in a boating accident last September. Collins made a trip to The U on Friday afternoon to see his old coaches. Then on Sunday he seemingly spoke to every local reporter in a series of interviews on and off the field.

“It’s been overwhelming, but definitely good to be back home,” Collins said. “I was able to go home for a little bit and stop by the school and stuff. It has been an amazing weekend.”

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