Former student Shane Martin – Phillies 9th Round Pick in 2013
The MLB amateur draft is an exciting time of year. Most of you know that we went through it twice with my son Ryan, the first time out of high school and then as a junior at ASU.
When should a high school pitcher start preparing for the draft or college? As soon as his freshman year of baseball is over. You had better start getting ready to be the best you can be much sooner than you think.
The competition is fierce today. If you have not had your mechanics analyzed, then the latest this should happen is right after your freshman year. Time to improve your skills and your conditioning going into the off-season before your sophomore year.
When Ryan did not get drafted in the first round out of high school, I put an ASU cap on his head and we were happy.
I had a call by the Rockies just after the first round. They had a sandwich pick which I believe the 32 pick but we said no. Then the Red Sox called and said they would give Ryan first round money if they drafted him in the 9th round. We said thanks but Ryan would be going to ASU.
Then the phone rang again about 2:30 p.m. It was our Yankees scout.
He called to tell us that Ryan had been drafted by the Yankees in the 13th round. But they told us he would get the $750,000 first round money that we were asking for. But it never happened.
The Yankees now had all summer to watch Ryan pitch. There were two scouts at every one of his games. They followed us to California where we had lunch. So that went on all summer long until the week before Ryan was to enroll at ASU, at which point the Yankees would have lost rights to him.
On Friday night, just 3 days before Ryan would be attending classes at ASU, two Yankees scouts came over one last time. I answered the door. They had a Yankees hat and a contract. The contract was for $565,000. We left it up to Ryan. He said no, I want $750,000. How’s that for a 17-year-old!
There no bad feelings but they continued to call all weekend long telling us that they were trying to make contact with Mr. Steinbrenner who was fishing.
I finally called Jeff Moorad, Ryan’s agent and asked him to call the Yankees off. Ryan was going to ASU.
On Monday at 8 a.m. he attended his first class at ASU and could not be drafted again until junior year of College.
Anyway, he had a great career at ASU. However, he lost his entire freshman year as the #3 starter after getting hit in the face by a 117 mph line drive by the second hitter during his first start. Out for the year with a broken jaw and lost 30 lbs. Came back the next year as a sophomore and led the Pack 10 in E.R.A. and strikeouts. Pitched ASU into the 1998 College World Series and the championship game.
Finally got his dream of getting drafted as the 6th pick in the draft. Those are memories that never leave us. And it was not always easy by any means. It took tons of work, especially by Ryan. We are grateful for all the wonderful memories. The Twins were wonderful. A class organization.
Many Kids Are Disappointed With The Draft
We know how many kids wanted to be drafted this past week that didn’t. For some of them there is a bigger plan. They have to dig down and figure out what might have stopped them.
Or those who may have slipped and got drafted lower than they thought.
Do these high school players sign or go to college?
In our hearts we knew Ryan really was not mature enough to go off and play pro ball. At the minor league level it is not anymore glamorous than when I played. You had better love it because it’s not like amateur baseball. Basically, you get almost no days off and play mostly all night games. And you make just about minimum wage.
For those high school players who decide to go to college, make the best of it. If you are a pitcher you are not going to get much help from a pitching coach. Most college pitching coaches, even the top D1’s have scant knowledge of mechanics. So you will need to figure it out for yourself.
If you are a college pitcher who got drafted then it might be time to sign and go live the dream.
So buckle up and be prepared to out-work the rest of the pitchers. Believe me, you will have tons of competition. But most of those guys will be doing long toss and thinking that more strength will make the difference. Those who have listened to me for a while know that not to be true. Certainly get fit to pitch using full-body explosive training but do not think extra strength will improve velocity.
In Pro Ball They Are Watching Your Every Move
Your demeanor on and off the field will have a lot to do with how far you go. Remember, they are watching your every move.
Do you get to the park early? Do you dress neat? Do you walk and run like a professional? They are watching you and watching how you handle adversity. Fall down and get right back up.
Don’t let them know you sweat. Look cool and make that a habit. Stay mentally tough no matter what happens. And guess what – s_ _ t happens, all the time in this game. Don’t let it take you by surprise.
This is a game of failure. You will fail but always think you have what it takes.
I spent a lot of time teaching Ryan the mental part of the game. Go to mound and act like you own it. Don’t let a hitter ever know he got to you. Let it all roll off your back. Bounce back quickly. Stay present. That two run gapper was two hitters ago. Forget it. Get back to the now. Be relentless. Nobody beats me – nobody.
See yourself being successful and making it. If you don’t, it will show and they will see it.
Have fun. Yes, you are getting paid now to play but it’s still a game and stay excited. Who gets paid doing what they did as a kid?
Don’t complain. There are thousands, if not millions, who would like your opportunity.
I loved pro ball. I loved my teammates and all the wonderful friends I made. I even liked the travel. Well, not the long bus rides. I still talk baseball with those guys. I am lucky. I can call the Red Sox office and they will take care of me whenever I am in town.
That is what you are shooting for and the stakes are a lot higher today. One good year and you are set for life. Do not waste any time.
In the 2013 Draft We Want To Congratulate 5 Pitches
Congratulations to 5 pitchers, 2 of which have been here for lessons:
Matt Ball – 11th round White Sox
I got an email from Thom Ball 2 days ago: “You’ll remember, we came out for instruction the past 2 summers. I wanted to let you know how it has paid off. Matt was selected out of high school #333 11th round by the White Sox. I certainly appreciate your help.”
6’5″, 195 lbs., Bonita Vista (Calif.) HS: The White Sox started their day by drafting their fourth high school player. Ball, out of the San Diego area, is the projectable sort, and has a commitment to Long Beach State.
Shane Martin – 9th round Phillies
I just got a call from one of our college students from Oklahoma – Shane Martin, who has been here for lessons twice. Shane called me about 3 weeks ago. He wanted to be ready for some pre-draft workouts. I looked at his mechanics and gave him some advice.
He was the anchor of the SWOSU pitching staff. He finished the 2013 season with a record of 11-2 and a 2.85 ERA.
Also got this from one our partner friends Chuck Bushbeck who is a scout for the Angels:
“Hey Coach, just wanted to share this and say thanks for all you do for our young pitchers today. You have helped change the way we teach pitching to our players and the results are evident!
Full Armor Baseball Academy is proud to announce our “Players in the Spotlight”! (check these guys out if you are in the Philadelphia area.)
Darren Fischer: LHP selected by the Tampa Bay Rays in the 16th round.
Ryan Etsell: RHP selected by the Los Angeles Angels in the 16th round.
Alex Polanco: RHP selected by the New York Yankees in the 20th round.”
So congratulations to these guys. A big accomplishment. Think about how few amateur baseball players get drafted and you can see what an accomplishment this is.
Let us know if your son got drafted
If your son got drafted let us know. I recall a few years ago, I got an email from a client who said he was thinking about us as he was watching his son pitch at Yankee Stadium.
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