Trio at CWS drafted in 1st round
Posted: Tuesday June 2, 1998 04:27 PM
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Mills was selected by Minnesota as the No. 6 pick (AP) |
OMAHA, Nebraska (CNN/SI) - The TV guys were Arizona State pitcher Ryan Mills' first clue that something was up. He was standing in right field when a sudden commotion interrupted practice at the College World Series.
"There was a bunch of guys with television cameras standing near the
dugout, and then they all started running toward me," Mills said. "I didn't
know what to expect, but I knew I had been picked up."
Several teammates dashed past the paparazzi and broke the news that he
had been selected by Minnesota as the No. 6 pick in Tuesday's amateur draft.
Although excited about going to the Twins, especially as
a high pick, Mills is more interested right now in winning the college national championship.
"It's a great feeling to be drafted but it would be the greatest
feeling to win it all ... in Omaha," Mills said. "I'm definitely going to
keep my focus on that."
If the Sun Devils win Wednesday night, Mills (8-3, 4.25 ERA) likely
will start in Saturday's title game.
Burrell was the No. 1 pick by the Phillies (AP) | |
Mills was one of three players competing in the College World Series
who were picked in the first round.
Miami third baseman Pat Burrell was the No. 1 pick by the Philadelphia
Phillies, who have him tabbed to play first base. Southern Cal's Seth
Etherton was selected by Anaheim at No. 18.
After a telephone call, Hurricanes coach Jim Morris told Burrell of
his top selection while the slugger was warming up for Miami's elimination
game against Long Beach State. He received handshakes and hugs from his
teammates as he was about to start batting practice.
Etherton, a right-hander from Laguna Niguel, California, was in his
hotel room preparing for USC's Tuesday night elimination game against
Mississippi State when he learned he was drafted by a team that plays only
25 minutes from his home.
"I'm a California boy that gets to stay at home. It couldn't have gone
better," he said. "I'm still very excited about this series, but being
drafted by Anaheim was perfect."
Etherton is 12-3 on the season with a 3.22 ERA.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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