Manny Corpas was drafted at age 16 (in 1999) by the Rockies

"Manny Corpas, born in Panama, was drafted by the Rockies as a 16-year-old in 1999 and made his major league debut on July 18, 2006. His father hasn't seen him pitch in the majors except on TV.

Benny Quintero, Corpas' agent, said Manuel Corpas had tried three times before to travel from Panama to the United States to watch his son play in the majors, but was rejected each time.

They enlisted the help of U.S. Sen. Ken Salazar of Colorado, who helped Manuel Corpas obtain a tourist visa.

The closer's mother, Florencia, will watch the games from Panama."

• AP story published on SportingNews.com, "Corpas's Dad Travels to U.S. for First Time," 10/26/07

I guess it happens everyday, but I can't imagine how a 16 year old kid finds and develops a special talent at this age and somehow is spotted by a major league team. Herb Raybourn didn't find Mariano until he was 21 and he wasn't even a pitcher. The great Rivera started as a shortstop in Panama, had no training as a pitcher.

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