INDIANAPOLIS (WTHR) — A local high school baseball star is now a first-round draft pick.
Roncalli’s Nick Schnell was picked 32nd overall by the Tampa Bay Rays in Monday's MLB Draft.
Indiana’s Gatorade Player of the Year set a Roncalli record for home runs in a career. He’s already committed to play at Louisville but the allure of the big leagues could change that.
"There’s a little bit of nerves but it’s super-exciting," Schnell told Eyewitness News. “I’m coming in with an open mind, so I’m ready to go. I’m pretty excited.
Schnell noted the value of off-season preparation.
"Knowing that I’ve been working for this my entire childhood and high school career, having a chance for a dream come true tonight, it's pretty cool."
According to MLB.com, Schnell's draft pick is worth approximately $2.2 million - not a bad high school graduation present.