Over the last four years, all over the nation, young high school baseball players have been fighting for dominance to receive nationwide attention, and the time has come for them to show their stuff at the next level. This is the time where those big fish in the small pond begin a new journey into the huge ocean of collegiate sports and beyond. The performances of these athletes are no longer primarily viewed through the lenses of spectators in the bleachers, but their academic performance and life choices also play heavily into the equation. For some though, hard decisions have to be made, and college scholarships are replaced by a chance to live the dream of every little T-ball player...a chance to play in the big leagues. So here’s a brief look at where Rivals.com's Top Prospects are ending up, as they graduate from their high school careers, and become the heroes of tomorrow's talent.
1) With a hot glove and above average speed for base stealing, shortstop Francisco Lindor has got all the Cleveland Indians fans talking. While there is some discussion about where he will fit into the lineup when he is finally ready for the big leagues, it seems that the Tribe’s management is not worried at all. Asdrubal Cabrera could easily move over to second base if it came down to it, and since Lindor is only 17, a lot could happen in the three or more years it takes him to prepare for the big leagues.
2) Said to be the most successful draft pick in the short history of the Diamondback franchise, pitcher Archie Bradley, out of Muskogee, Oklahoma, went as the #7 overall pick in the 2011 MLB draft. Bradley turned down a scholarship to the University of Oklahoma to play both football and baseball, since baseball was his first love, and what he saw himself doing long term. Besides leading his high school to the Oklahoma 6A championship this year, Bradley finished the season with 0.29 ERA and a 12-1 record.
3) Out of Gardner, Kansas, center fielder Bubba Starling is the highest selected player to ever come out of the Kansas City area. He went #5 overall in the 2011 MLB draft, and nows describes his choice as a dream come true. Playing for the Royals, the his childhood team, makes signing with Kansas City a dream come true. He, like the newly-signed Diamondback Archie Bradley, also had a football scholarship waiting for him, but this time for the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers. It should be exciting to see how this young, two-sport athlete develops at the professional level.
4) Pitcher Dylan Bundy, #4 in the overall draft, went to the Baltimore Orioles, where he hopes to join his brother Bobby Bundy in the rotation when the time comes. Dylan was drafted out of Owasso High School in Sperry, Oklahoma, where he had a 0.25 ERA, 158 strikeouts, and walked only 5 batters. Bundy is known on the mound for his fastball and cutter, reaching 100 MPH and 90 MPH respectively. Off the mound, its his self-discipline, tough workout regime, and careful nutrition that are said to have contributed to his success thus far. These things, along with the motivation to be in the same rotation as his brother should take Dylan Bundy quite far if he can stay healthy.
5) Left handed, 6-foot-6 pitcher Henry Owens was the #36th draft pick out of Huntington Beach, California. Said to have a fastball in the low 90’s, and a 1.15 ERA in his senior year, the Boston Red Sox are excited to get this 18 year old started with his professional career.
As the 2011 MLB draft picks seek to develop into Big League ballplayers, there’s even more young talent coming up in high schools all across America. These five showcased athletes, along with the other ninety-five honorable mentions in the Rivals.com rankings, are just a few examples of such extraordinary talent. Be sure to stay tuned and watch for these developing young competitors, as they are soon to be starring at a professional ballpark near you!