ROCKWALL —
Rockwall ISD senior baseball standouts Jake Thompson of Heath and Spencer Edwards and Steve Bean of Rockwall High School were all top-100 selections in Major League Baseball’s 2012 First-Year Player Draft this week.
The 6-4, 235-pound Thompson was drafted in the second round by the Detroit Tigers with their first pick and 91st overall selection.
The TCU signee, who was still competing in the UIL state tournament in Round Rock on Thursday, said he was really excited and honored to be the Tigers first pick, but he was trying to keep his focus on winning a state championship for now.
“I think everyone wants to play professional baseball, and I do for sure. I just want to spend some time and make sure my decision (between TCU and pro baseball) makes sense and is the smart decision.”
Detroit Director of Amateur Scouting Scott Pleis explained the thought process behind picking Thompson.
“He’s got a great body, power arm, he’s a good kid and great competitor. ... He has the whole package,” he said.
Rockwall’s Steve Bean was the first RISD player selected when St. Louis drafted the standout catcher and UT commit in the Compensation A round as the 59th overall pick. The 6-2, 190-pound Bean was the fifth St. Louis pick in the first and Comp. A rounds of the draft.
RHS shortstop Spencer Edwards was drafted by American League East leader Tampa Bay in the second round. The 6-0, 170-pound UT signee with incredible speed and great range was the Rays’ second pick and 88th selection overall.
Rockwall athletic coordinator and RISD athletic director Scott Smith said he was extremely proud and excited for both Bean and Edwards, and Thompson as well. “I couldn’t be happier that these kids are getting an opportunity like this.”
Former Heath standout and Vanderbilt junior Drew Verhagen joins Thompson as a Detroit draftee. The 6-6, 230-pound Verhagen was selected in the fourth round as the 154th overall pick.
Rockwall-ex Travis Ballew, a Texas State junior pitcher, was drafted by the Houston Astros as the 699th pick.
Sports
Thompson picked first by Detroit in MLB draft; Edwards goes to Tampa Bay, Bean to St. Louis
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