Jason Willow had his ears on the teacher in economics class, but his eyes on his computer and the 2017 Major League Baseball draft tracker, when it happened Wednesday.
His name popped up.
“It took a while to sink in,” said Willow, upon seeing his name listed as selected by the Baltimore Orioles in the 24th round.
“My friend shouted out, and even the teacher acknowledged it. It’s a cool experience.”
Much as it was in previous classes in previous years at Lambrick Park Secondary for current Philadelphia Phillies teammates Michael Saunders and Nick Pivetta.
“It’s a boost of confidence for me to know there were guys just like me at Lambrick Park sitting where I am now and in the same situation,” said Willow.
“It’s a good feeling to know you’ve got a shot.”
Willow plays for the Victoria Mariners of the B.C. Premier Baseball League and the Canadian junior national team.
The talented Grade 12 infielder now has a decision to make: Sign a minor-pro contract with the Orioles or accept an NCAA Div. 1 athletic scholarship offer to play ball at the highly regarded University of California-Santa Barbara program.
“I am a later-round pick. I thought I would go a bit higher,” admitted Willow.
He was ranked 271st on Baseball America’s Top 500 list but went 728th to Baltimore. Willow was the fifth-ranked Canadian by Canadian Baseball Network and was the 13th of 20 Canucks chosen.
If he goes the NCAA route, his next and final draft window would be after his junior season in three years.
“I have talked to the Orioles and I will have to see after I have more talks with them,” said the six-foot-two, 172-pound Willow.
“Either way, it’s a win-win and I’m sitting in a good spot right now. It will be a bit clearer next week.”
Regardless of his decision, there will be plenty of fodder for both his Mariners (16-7) teammates and Victoria Eagles (7-18) opponents to discuss when they meet in a B.C. Premier League derby tonight at 6 p.m. at Royal Athletic Park.
“It’s always exciting when we get to play the Victoria-rivalry game at RAP,” said Willow.
And tonight especially so.
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