For a North Side White Sox fan with a National League skill set, the call from the St. Louis Cardinals was music to Charlie Tilson’s ears.
The New Trier center fielder was taken in the second round of the Major League Baseball draft with the 79th overall pick Tuesday.
“It is an honor,” Tilson said. “I had been talking to a bunch of teams. I saw they had a decent amount of picks and thought it was a possibility. It is a wonderful organization.
“I don’t want to lose any Chicago fans, but as a Sox fan I certainly pulled from (the Cardinals) throughout childhood.”
Cubs fans who are also partial to the state university may prefer to see Tilson play college baseball instead.
The speedy, 5-foot-11, 175-pound lefty committed to the Illini before impressing national scouts with his surprising power at the Area Code Games last summer.
Champaign remains a viable option if his asking price is not met. He has until August 15 to come to terms with the Cardinals. Otherwise he won’t be eligible to re-enter the draft for three years.
“It’s too early to know,” Tilson said. “The contract has to be finalized, and we’ll see where it goes. Right now I’m really excited. It’s a great feeling.”
Two Illinois players who were key to the Illini’s first NCAA Regional appearance since 2000 also were taken during the second day of the draft.
Roommates Adam Davis, a catcher from Driscoll, and shortstop Josh Parr were taken 29 picks apart.
Davis was taken in the 11th round by the Orioles; Parr in the 12th by the Diamondbacks. Both juniors have a year of college eligibility remaining.
