The only California high school player to be chosen in the first round in Monday’s baseball draft did not play this season. The highest chosen who did play was No. 38 in Round A who’s father was once the No. 1 pick overall.
California Players From Day One
At The MLB Draft
(We are listing all who are from a California high school, including current college players)
FIRST ROUND
4. Dillon Tate (Claremont) RHP to Texas Rangers
The UC Santa Barbara player actually was the first pitcher chosen in this year’s draft.
15. Kolby Allard (San Clemente) LHP to Atlanta Braves
After starring for a USA junior national team last summer, Allard did not pitch for the Tritons this season due to injury concerns in his back. It obviously didn’t impact his draft status.
16. James Kapreilian (Beckman, Irvine) RHP to N.Y. Yankees
He was a multi-year all-state choice for the Patriots and went on to shine at UCLA.
Brady Aiken played on the Milwaukee Brewers’ 2013 Area Code team. Photo: Student Sports.
17. Brady Aiken (Cathedral Catholic, San Diego) LHP to Cleveland Indians
Yes, this is the same Brady Aiken who was No. 1 overall by the Astros one year ago, didn’t sign and then basically trained for this year’s draft. He also was the 2014 Mr. Baseball State Player of the Year.
18. Phil Bickford (Oaks Christian, Westlake Village) RHP to San Francisco Giants
A Mr. Baseball State POY finalist from two years ago, Bickford led the Lions to the CIFSS Division IV title. He was pitching this season for College of Southern Nevada.
19. Kevin Newman (Poway) SS to Pittsburgh Pirates
It was a great day to be a Titan (see below) as Newman, who played at Arizona State, was chosen in the opening round.
26. Taylor Ward (Shadow Hills, Indio) C to L.A. Angels
A defensive wizard behind the plate for Fresno State, Ward has been getting better and better as a hitter and ended up as one of this year’s top catchers in the entire draft.
30. Kyle Holder (University City, San Diego) SS to N.Y. Yankees
After playing at Uni City, Holder went to Grossmont College and then to the University of San Diego.
ROUND A Competitive Balance
38. Tyler Nevin (Poway) 3B to Colorado Rockies
He’s the son of former No. 1 overall pick Phil Nevin (Placentia El Dorado) and just played last weekend for Poway’s CIF San Diego Section Division I championship team.
SECOND ROUND
44. Peter Lambert (San Dimas) LHP to Colorado Rockies
He went unbeaten for the Saints this year, barely gave up any runs but couldn’t do anything when they lost 4-1 last week to Walnut. He also is a letter of intent signer with UCLA.
46. Thomas Eschelman (Carlsbad) RHP to Houston Astros
Guess the Astros still don’t mind picking a San Diego area player. Eschelman is still playing for Cal State Fullerton and will pitch in this year’s College World Series.
52. Chris Betts (Wilson, Long Beach) C to Tampa Bay Rays
He’s been regarded as the top catcher in this year’s class for California since his sophomore season.
54. Lucas Herbert (San Clemente) C to Atlanta Braves
How often does a prep battery both get chosen among the top 54? Even though Kolby Allard (No. 14) didn’t play this year for the Tritons, Herbert sure did and they played together last season, too.
55. Cody Ponce (Damien, La Verne) RHP to Milwaukee Brewers
He’s from the same high school as Mark McGwire and went to Cal Poly Pomona after starring for the Spartans.
62. Kevin Kramer (Turlock) SS to Pittsburgh Pirates
We once watched Kramer play football as the QB for the Bulldogs. He’s a great all-around athlete who’s done well at UCLA. Following same path as NorCal football-baseball Bruin grad Brandon Crawford.
64. Josh Staumont (La Habra) RHP to K.C. Royals
After playing for the Highlanders, he has developed into a top prospect at Azusa Pacific.
Note: No California players were chosen in Round B Competitive Balance.
Mark Tennis is the co-founder and publisher of Cal-Hi Sports. He can be reached at markjtennis@gmail.com. Don’t forget to follow Mark on the Cal-Hi Sports Twitter handle: @CalHiSports
