Kevin Heller (pictured) and
teammate Mike Samela are top prospects in the 2012 MLB amateur
player draft. Amherst athletics photo |
With the season concluded, D-III fans have one more event to look forward to, the MLB amateur draft. The chances of hearing a familiar name in the first day's action on Monday June 4 is unlikely but the final two days will provide an extension, for about two dozen D-III baseball players, to their baseball careers.
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Before the start of the 2012 season Baseball America magazine named Pacific Lutheran junior right-handed pitcher Max Beatty as its top 2012 professional draft prospect currently playing NCAA D-III baseball. Beatty was diagnosed in January with testicular cancer and not only missed the 2012 season but is an unlikely top selection in this years draft.
Kevin Heller is the second ranked draft prospect and along with fellow Lord Jeff Mike Samela, tabbed as the fifth best prospect at the D-III level are expected to be the first teammates selected. In 2011, only Keystone had two players drafted, the second time in two years that the Giants had multiple selections in the draft. Blaine O'Brien and Esteban Meletiche could also be a second pair of teammetes hearing their names announced.
Top five D-III players drafted in 2011 Ben Hughes, RHP, St. Olaf |
Manhattanville's Dan Fiorito is behind only behind Beatty and Heller on the list of top-10 draft prospects. Fiorito solidified his position on the list as he was named the conference Player of the Year, an All-Region player at shortstop, and received All-American recognition.
Brian Rauh is the final top five prospect in Baseball America's list. Rauh finished his junior year with his third straight year on as first team selection as a D3baseball.com All-American
Phil Schreiber, UW-Oshkosh, Mike Russo, Kean, Brendan Close, rhp, Moravian, Zack Graczyk, of, SUNY Cortland State, Justin Jirschele, UW-Stevens Point round out Baseball America's top 10 prospect list.