Oswego East graduate Dominic Battista wondered if a hamate injury early in the season this spring would prevent him from being taken in the MLB draft.
As time went on, though, the Illinois-Chicago recruit was thrilled to be even in that conversation.
“It was in the back of my mind,” Battista said. “But I also thought if you asked me a couple years ago if I would have my name called out of high school, I wouldn’t have even thought about it.”
Everything changed Saturday. The Kansas City Royals came calling in the fourth round, selecting Battista 119th overall. The outfielder hasn’t signed yet but all signs are pointing in that direction.
“More than likely I will sign,” Battista said. “I know that I would be able to put myself in a position to go to college and sign again, but I’m ready to go into the system.”
Battista was one of three draftees this weekend from the Aurora-Elgin area.
St. Charles North alum Jayden Lobliner went in the ninth round out of San Diego to the St. Louis Cardinals. West Aurora product Ryan Niedzwiedz went in the 15th round out of SIU-Edwardsville to the Colorado Rockies.
Battista’s profile in scouting circles, meanwhile, continued to rise the past two years. His performance in high-profile showcases and travel tournaments rocketed him up prospect lists.
After returning from the injury, he noticed the number of scouts in the stands increasing.
“I feel like that’s something that caught my attention for sure,” Battista said. “I was trying to take it for what it was, but I just tried to play baseball honestly.”
The whirlwind is almost over. Battista will go from hosting his graduation party Sunday to likely being a professional athlete by the end of the week.
“It’s definitely a unique opportunity,” Battista said. “I’m not going to take it for granted.”
Lobliner also had one goal since he was 5 years old — to play in the majors. After two years each at Kansas State and San Diego, the catcher is one step closer to that goal.
“It’s been a long time coming,” Lobliner said. “It’s been a dream of mine, and it’s an important step toward the ultimate dreams I have.”
The main reason Lobliner is getting this chance? It’s the part of the game he takes the most pride in — defense. He was the West Coast Conference’s defensive player of the year this year.
“For sure, that’s my thing,” Lobliner said. “That’s the thing I bring to the ballpark every single day.”
Lobliner flew Wednesday to St. Louis’ spring training facility in Jupiter, Florida, to get his professional career started.
“It’s a fast process,” Lobliner said. “You don’t want to wait around anymore. You’re ready to go play baseball. This is something I’ve had written on paper my entire life and I talk about it daily.
“It’s an important step, but it’s only the beginning.”
Niedzwiedz did all he could at SIU-Edwardsville to prepare for the draft. He had friends and family gathered around him as his dream came true Sunday.
He reports Friday to Colorado’s spring training facility in Scottsdale, Arizona.
“I knew this was going to be how it was going to go,” Niedzwiedz said. “Now, I have this professional job. I can’t wait for my whole day to be baseball.”
On draft weekend, Niedzwiedz was happy to be surrounded by people who helped get him here.
“It was really cool just to see how much everyone cares,” Niedzwiedz said. “I’m just the one playing baseball. I appreciate them.”
Now, Niedzwiedz is a professional baseball player. He’ll arrive in Scottsdale with an open mind.
“There’s no set position,” Niedzwiedz said. “I’m a utility guy. I can do whatever they need me to do and just keep hitting.”
Paul Johnson is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.
