Long, Hunnicutt enjoy draft excitement
The excitement level at Kenny Long’s Fox River Grove home ratcheted up around midday Wednesday when a Houston Astros scout texted to notify the relief pitcher he might soon be selected in Major League Baseball’s 2012 First-Year Amateur Draft.
The 2007 Dundee-Crown graduate immediately turned his attention online and read the good news minutes later when Houston selected him with the first pick in the 22nd round (669th overall).
“I was just so excited,” Long said. “I was huddled around the computer with my mom and dad and one of my sisters. Once we read my name go off, we just all screamed out. It’s been a lot of fun.
“I’ve followed (Houston) in the N.L. Central because I’m a Cubs fan. Well, not anymore. I’m an Astros fan now. I’m just excited to play for the organization.”
Long becomes the third member of the 2006 Dundee-Crown Chargers to be drafted by a big-league club, joining former teammates Elliot Soto (Cubs, Class AA Tennessee) and Ryan Court (Arizona, Class A South Bend). Long and Court played together collegiately at Illinois State.
Long joins the same organization as 2006 Hampshire graduate Jake Goebbert (Class AA Corpus Christi), who was selected by Houston in 2009.
A left-handed reliever, Long set the ISU program record for saves in his junior season with 15. He converted 13-of-13 save opportunities as a senior, when he struck out 52, walked 11 and finished with a team-best 2.29 ERA in 51 innings. He was selected three times to the all-Missouri Valley Conference first team.
“Everyone with the ISU baseball team is happy and proud for Kenny,” Illinois State coach Mark Kingston said in a release. “He had a tremendous career both here and in the Cape Cod League. We expect him to do great things in professional baseball.”
Long said he expects to be used as a relief pitcher by his new organization. No matter his future role, the 23-year-old pitcher is happy to be living out every Little Leaguer’s dream.
“I didn’t realize I really had a chance to become a professional baseball player until a couple of years into college,” Long said. “As a young kid you always dream of growing up to be in the majors. It’s kind of surreal right now that I actually have the chance to play professionally.”
Hunnicutt to Baltimore: Burlington Central senior center fielder Ray Hunnicutt was selected by the Baltimore Orioles in the 40th round (1,212 overall) Wednesday.
Hunnicutt hit. 308 (32-for-104) with 5 doubles, a triple, 3 home runs and drew a school record 38 walks to lift his on-base percentage to .510. He stole 34 bases in 34 attempts and scored a team-high 41 runs. He was caught stealing just once in three varsity seasons.
“I’m just excited that it happened,” Hunnicutt said. “It’s kind of unreal to think of the possibility of playing with guys I’ve dreamed of playing with my entire life.”
Hunnicutt said he and his parents will speak with the organization, then make the decision to sign or play in college. He is currently deciding between Judson University, Augustana and Concordia.
“If it’s possible to play baseball and get my education, too, then I’ll sign and play pro ball,” he said. “If not, I’ll go to college.”