Tulsa World: Big-league dreams

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Big-league dreams

Owasso’s Brian Flynn, a 6-foot-8 left-hander, was one of 40 players invited to a recent workout withthe Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World file

By LYNN JACOBSEN World Sports Writer
Published: 6/5/2008 2:08 AM
Last Modified: 6/5/2008 3:32 AM

Metro-area grads gear up for today's MLB amateur draft

Brian Flynn and his mother Michelle piled into her 1999 Lexus with 168,000 miles and headed to south Texas for a predraft workout Saturday with the Houston Astros.

After 8 1/2 hours on the road, they stopped for the night at a hotel in Conroe, 30 minutes north of Houston. Partly because they were tired, partly because the small-town hotel was cheaper.

Such is the life of high school baseball players with big league dreams.

Players and their families scrimp and save for the chance to showcase their talents for big-league scouts and clubs. For these amateur athletes there is no guaranteed money, just a chance to pursue a dream.

Flynn, an Owasso senior pitcher, is one of several metro area high school players who recently worked out for big league organizations in anticipation of Thursday's amateur baseball draft.

"It was good," Flynn said of the whirlwind, weekend trip. "Even if they don't pick me in the draft, it was great. How many people can say they pitched on Minute Maid field? I've done it twice. I did it Sunday and last July in the Texas Scout Association game."

Flynn, a 6-foot-8 left-hander, was one of 40 players invited to the workout.

"There were 15 pitchers. I think I was the only one from high school," he said. "Most of the guys threw 90-plus mph. They were all hard-throwing right-handers. I didn't want to overthrow, so I threw about 89-90. My curve was really working. That was good because the question mark on me was my curve — I had really good movement."

Jenks outfielder/pitcher Dallas Beeler isn't a big fan of flying.

But a chance to work out for the Toronto Blue Jays was incentive to board an American Airlines flight with his father Darrell.

"It was a long trip," Beeler said.

"It was a rush trip. The Blue Jays called Sunday, and we left Monday at 6 a.m. We were fortunate to get some tickets from my uncle to fly up there. We flew into Buffalo, then drove into Toronto. I think the trip cost us about $1,000."

Like Flynn, Beeler's trip was by invitation only.

"We had a simulated game and I struck out three guys," Beeler said. "I also got a hit. I felt pretty good about it all, but I didn't come away full of myself. I just tried to do the best I could. The rest is out of my hands."

The "pro baseball circuit" actually begins after a high school player's junior year.

The Area Code and Perfect Game — two all-star high school events — are venues for would-be professional players to show their skills to major league teams and agents.

Sperry pitcher Bobby Bundy did whatever he could to scrape together enough money for a trip to Cincinnati last year.

"You try to get out there and showcase your name," said Bundy, who threw earlier this week for Texas Rangers scouts. "It gives you a really big advantage. I remember at the Area Code games I hit 94 (mph) on the gun. It was the high speed until late in the day.

"Everything I went through to earn money was worth it. Hopefully, some day I'll be able to repay my parents for the money they spent to help me realize my dream."

All three have college offers to fall back on if they aren't among the lucky ones chosen in this week's amateur draft.

Flynn has signed with Wichita State, Bundy with the University of Arkansas and Beeler has signed with Seminole State Junior College with possible Division I offers pending.

Lynn Jacobsen 581-8461
lynn.jacobsen@tulsaworld.com

Hot commodities

Four metro high school baseball players could be selected in the amateur baseball draft which begins Thursday. Below is a look at local high school players who could be chosen.

Dallas Beeler

Pitcher • Jenks

Had a predraft workout with the Toron to Blue Jays last week. At 6-foot-5, he has the size pro scouts drool over. He is more likely a second-day draft pick. Beeler has signed with Seminole Junior College but also has piqued the interest of area Division I programs.

Bobby Bundy

Pitcher • Sperry

Right-hander worked out for Texas Rangers and has drawn a lot of interest. Questions about basketball knee injury still surround 6-foot-2 hurler. Recently cleared to take oO brace. A possible 3rd-6th round pick, but some teams are taking a wait-and-see approach to see how Bundy’s knee has healed. Has signed with Arkansas.

Mark Ginther

Shortstop • Jenks

Remains committed to honoring his scholarship at Oklahoma State and has told scouts of his decision. But it hasn’t stopped scouts from pursuing the infielder. Team showing the most interest in the 6-foot-2 infielder has been the Philadelphia Phillies.

Brian Flynn

Pitcher • Owasso

Early reports had left-hander as top high school prospect in metro. However, appears committed to going to school at Wichita State and his draft status has fallen to around 8th-10th rounds. Throws in the low 90s. He worked out for the Houston Astros over the weekend.

By LYNN JACOBSEN World Sports Writer

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Jay of Tulsa, (6/5/2008 5:09:30 PM)

Good luck to ALL of you players!! Hope your dreams are fulfilled.

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