[1][2][3][4] He led NCAA Division I baseball with 26 home runs, which garnered LaPorta All-American honors as he helped lead the team to the 2005 College World Series final.

The Power went on to make the South Atlantic League playoffs and advanced to the finale, but lost to the Columbus Catfish in a best of 5 series.

He played with the Mesa Solar Sox for 30 games, and hit 6 home runs during that time, which was tied for the most in the league.

On July 7, 2008, LaPorta was traded to the Cleveland Indians along with Zach Jackson, Rob Bryson, ajd Michael Brantley in exchange for left-handed starting pitcher CC Sabathia.

[18] In a game against China on August 18, LaPorta suffered a mild concussion after he was struck in the head by a pitch by Chinese relief pitcher Chen Kun at the start of the seventh inning.

[19] In the Bronze-Medal match against Japan, LaPorta had a solo home run as Team USA won the Bronze Medal.

[20] LaPorta attended spring training with the Indians; he was assigned to the Triple-A Columbus Clippers on March 24, 2009.

[21] LaPorta batted .333 with five homers, four doubles, two triples, 14 RBI and a 1.054 OPS in 21 games with the Clippers, and was called up to the Indians on May 2.

The next day, LaPorta recorded his first major league home run hit off of the Toronto Blue Jays' Brian Tallet.

However, when the Indians signed Russell Branyan and announced he would be the everyday first baseman, LaPorta instead became a contender for the left field position, along with Michael Brantley.

Branyan's back problems limited him to no game action during spring training, causing him to begin the season on the 15-day disabled list.

After Branyan was activated from the disabled list on April 20, LaPorta was moved primarily to the backup first baseman role, with some playing time in left field.