Former Padres No. 1 Pick Matt Bush Interviewed in Prison

San Diego, CA- Fox Sports’s Gabe Kapler visited the Florida prison to interview Padres former No.1 pick Matt Bush. Bush is currently spending a four year prison sentence for running over and almost killing 72-year-old motorcyclist Tony Tufan while intoxicated.

Matt Bush was the Padres No.1 draft pick in the 2004 MLB draft and unfortunately is right up there with former San Diego Charger Ryan Leaf as not only the biggest bust in San Diego’s history, but sports history in general.

Matt Bush is only the 3rd player in Major League Baseball history to be drafted number one overall and never make it to the Big Leagues. As perfectly stated by Baseball America’s Matt Eddy, “Matt Bush may be the biggest bust at any position in draft history”.

"Given his status as the first pick in the 2004 draft, and considering the players the Padres passed on—Jered Weaver, Stephen Drew and Justin Verlander—and considering he’s incarcerated, Matt Bush may be the biggest bust at any position in draft history. The San Diego high school product signed for $3.15 million but delivered a batting line of .219/.294/.276 in parts of four seasons in the low minors before converting to the mound in 2007. He made enough progress as a pitcher to reach Double-A and make the Rays’ 40-man roster following 2011 season, but ultimately Bush has more drunken-driving convictions (three) and arm surgeries (two) than major league appearances."

The interview was well done as it excellently described the tale of Matt Bush. It also gave Matt the opportunity to apologize and reflect on all the mistakes he’s made throughout his life so far.

"“I want people to know that I’m very sorry for what had occurred,” he said. “I really wish things had been a lot different. I would’ve made a lot better choices.”"

Bush hopes to have the opportunity to play professional baseball again one day and make it to the Major Leagues, but this point I just hope he’s able to get his life back on track and but baseball behind him.