Major League Baseball Draft Results

It's always fun for me to check the Major League Baseball Draft every year and see the number of kids I have crossed paths with through my years of coaching. This is this year's results:

1) 1st Round - Justin O'Connor Cowan, IN
I coached Justin during the Safeco Cup a few years ago at the Seatlle Mariner's Safeco Field. I coached the Chicago White Sox team made up of prospects from accross the midwest. Justin was a freshman, playing against junior, and you could tell he was a special talent. Playing a variety of positions, including a 90 mph performance from the mound, I knew Justin would be a kid with a chance to make the big leagues.

2) 7th Round - Chuckie Jones Boonville, MO
I saw Chuckie at a St. Louis tryout I ran for the White Sox "Double Duty Classic" game. I then coached Chuckie at the Double Duty game at U.S. Cellular Field.

3) 10th Round - Eric Jokisch Northwestern U.
Eric played for one of my friends on his summer high school team. He came up for one of my showcases and dueled against Casey Crosby (former 1st rounder) in front of about 50 college and major league scouts.

4) 17th Round -Corderius Dodd North Side, TX
Corderius was my clean up hitter at USA Baseball's Breakthrough Series in Los Angeles last summer. A big power bat, he helped lead us to championship in LA

5) 20th Round - DK Carey - Florida
I would be extremely suprised if DK is not in the big leagues in 5 or 6 years. An incredible talent, his draft status was low due to a high scholorship at the University of Miami. DK was the top player at the Breakthrough Series last summer and led our team to a championship there.

6) 22nd Round - Colin Bates U. of North Carolina
Colin played for the White Sox Academy travel teams and signed with North Carolina. He is from Naperville, and still works out at the Academy during his school breaks.

7)25th Round - Kendall Radcliffe Morgan Park, Chicago
Kendall was the CF for our Inner City White Sox team for the last three years. He also played for me at the Breakthrough Series in Los Angeles.

8)35th Round - John Lieske - Rockford,IL
John, a pitcher was in several of my showcases over the last few years.

9) 40th Round - Chad Green - Effingham, IL
I knew Chad when he was young and he's played in a few of my events in Chicago. Chad is good family friends with my best friend from college, EIU teammate, Josh Zink.

10) 44th Round - Michael Gerber - Naperville, IL
Michael too has been involved in my fall league and showcases the past few years.

11) 47th Round - Ronzelle Fort - Chicago
Ronzelle has been part of our ACE program since its inception. Ronzelle looks like CC Sabathia and has a bright future.

12) 50th Round - Eric Jagielo - Downers Grove, IL
Eric, a Notre Dame signee, was in a few of my showcases last year.

Fundraiser for Student's Cause Rocked!

Michael Gustafson, a 12 year old student of mine, overcame some tough odds by beating cancer. Michael has been my student for four years and continued to train through his illness and chemotherapy. Michael is a very courageous and inspirational young man. Michael recently asked me to be a part of his Relay for Life Team, called "Michael's Miracle Marchers" to help raise money for cancer research through the American Cancer Society. The relay is this Saturday and Michael is the "Honorary Survivor" and will lead the parade lap to start the relay. To help raise money for Michael's cause, I put together a "Rock, Paper Scissors" tournament in Lincoln Square last weekend. 40 people participated, many parents and students of mine played in support of Michael. We had a blast and more importantly we raised almost $2,000 in one day. Special mention goes to tournament winner and Academy Instructor Chris LaPorta who donated the winnings back to the fundraiser. A big thanks from Michael and I to all that participated or donated! If you haven't seen Michael's story, click on the below post:

http://elitebaseballtraining.blogspot.com/2008/10/student-of-week-exemplifies-courage.html