News

Big Train Makes Splash in 2014 MLB First Year Draft

06/08/2014 9:23 AM

By:David Schneider

Mitch Morales (BT 2012) was selected by the San Diego Padres

As the 16th summer of baseball has kicked off, we want to recognize some of the players who have played for the Big Train that were drafted in the 2014 MLB Draft: Kelly Secrest (BT 2011-2012), Mitch Morales (BT 2012), Justin Morris (BT 2014), Justin Hepner (BT 2013), and Nate Fury (BT 2010) were all a part of the success on and off the field for the Big Train, and now look to thrive professionally.

Kelly Secrest (2011-2012)

The southpaw relief pitcher out of UNC- Wilmington was drafted by the New York Mets in Round 10 (Pick #295). Secrest set a school and conference record with 114 career appearances and ended his career second in school history with 17 saves. In his senior season he led the UNC-Wilmington bullpen with 25 appearances, leading the team in saves (8), while posting a 5-2 record and a 1.73 ERA. Secrest struck out 38 batters in 36.1 innings and limited his opponents to a slim .218 batting average. During his junior year campaign he was named to the First-team all CAA.

New York Mets VP Paul DePodesta and amateur scouting director Tommy Tanous said that Secrest was one of their targets going into the draft, and felt they got him in a really good value spot.

Mitch Morales (2012)

The shortstop out of Florida Atlantic University was drafted by the San Diego Padres in Round 29 (Pick #867). In 2013, Morales hit .301 and started all 64 games. His junior season, 2014, was plagued by injuries, but Morales still still boasts a transcript that says 142 games played, with a career 133 hits, 67 runs scored, and 53 RBI.

Justin Morris (2014: currently signed contract to play with Big Train, but has yet to report)

The catcher from Dematha Catholic who has committed to the University of Maryland was drafted in the 35th round (Pick #1050) by the Miami Marlins. In his four years of varsity in high school, Morris's batting average was a cool .350, while accumulating 106 hits and 73 RBI. In his senior season he hit .446 and drove in 16 runs on 33 hits.

Justin Hepner (2013)

The right handed pitcher from San Diego State was drafted by the Miami Marlins in Round 36 (Pick #1067). His totals gave him a career 4.09 ERA with a WHIP of 1.55, including 84 strikeouts. In his sophomore season he posted a 2.70 ERA in 52 innings of work, striking out 50 batters.

Nate Fury (2010)

This right handed pitcher from LSU was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the 36th round (Pick #1090). Fury had a great senior season, posting a 2.15 ERA in 26 relief appearances, striking out 22 batters over 29.1 innings. Fury's older brother was drafted and played for the Tigers in 2010.