BREAKING NEWS: Monrovia's Eddie McKiernan, drafted in th 17th round by the Angels, opted to sign with the club on Wednesday instead of going to UNLV
We'll have more on this tomorrow, but I would like to congratulate Eddie on his great career at Monrovia and wish him well with the Angels. It had to be a tough decision to forgo a college career a UNLV to sign with a Big League club, but what a great decision to have to make. I'm sure he'll do well, competitors like him always do.
For full story on McKiernan signing, click thread
MONROVIA - Monrovia High school pitcher/shortstop Eddie McKiernan's goal has always been to continue playing baseball after he graduated from high school.
His dream was realized just a day before he donned a cap and gown.
McKiernan agreed to terms to a contract with the Angels on Wednesday.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed per team policy.
"It's always been a dream of mine to play professional baseball," McKiernan said. "The Angels are a local team and they're giving me the opportunity to do that."
He was named the Rio Hondo League Player of the Year after leading the Wildcats to a 24-6 record and an appearance in the CIF-Southern Section Division V championship game against eventual champion Bishop Amat.
Less than a week after his team fell short of winning its second consecutive title, McKiernan's new goal began to take shape when he was drafted by the Angels in the 17th round.
"I was a little surprised and happy at the same time," McKiernan said.
Once he was drafted, McKiernan, the 2006 Star-News Player of the Year, found himself with a tough decision.
He had signed a letter of intent to attend UNLV on a full scholarship.
But McKiernan eventually decided that he would sign with the Angels under the right circumstances.
Those circumstances became reality on Wednesday.
"I would have to go to UNLV for at least three years before being eligible for the draft again and to start in the minors and move my way up now seems like a good idea," McKiernan said.
McKiernan will report to Tempe, Ariz., on Monday and will play on the Angels' rookie ball team. He will report as a pitcher, meaning he won't have many opportunities at the plate.
"It kind of sucks that I won't be able to swing a bat, but I feel my future is on the mound, and if I have to give up something to do that, so be it," McKiernan said.
The Angels weren't McKiernan's favorite team growing up, but they're No. 1 in his book right now.
"I was always a Yankees fan, but the Angels are right up there as well," McKiernan said.
The Yankees became second fiddle once a member of the Angels scouting staff walked into the McKiernan house on Wednesday.
McKiernan will step onto the field at Monrovia knowing his future as a member of the Angels organization will begin just a few days later.
"(Signing) just made this week more exciting and special," McKiernan said.
The talented right-hander was was 12-2 on the mound this season with a 1.45 ERA and 113 strikeouts.
He also was second on the team with a .446 batting average with one home run, six doubles and 18 RBIs.
In the postseason, McKiernan was nearly unbeatable, with a 10-2 record in three seasons.
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Melendez worked as a correspondent for the San Gabriel Valley Tribune for three years and later landed a job as a freelance writer at the Los Angeles Times before accepting an offer at The Orange County Register covering high schools. Melendez covered Major League Soccer at The Register for three years before being promoted to report on the Lakers, Angels and Dodgers for the Web. Melendez also worked for the Daytona Beach News-Journal, Fresno Bee, Oakland Tribune and The Boston Globe. E-mail opinions, suggestions and tips to miguel.melendez@sgvn.com. |
Not to say that going to college wasn't one of the biggest mistakes. Over all I won 3 professional Championships two over seas and one with steve yeager in the WBL. Can't seem to look back and forget the opportunity but I don't at this time regret it. I own a baseball Academy Called CBA Baseball in Burbank Ca. I do now what I was given then. That's professional training. As far as Eddie I don't know you but I do know baseball. Remember one thing Don't take ur eye off your dream. You can get there, it is a long hill just keep climing there is a top.
Sincerly Jason Cly
theres another upcoming star at monrovia as well...
young adrian velasco..
go watch this young kid play..
is it true that Eddie has an 8 inch fattie?
all girls north of the 210
That's not the ONLY thing that "hangs" in Monrovia.
Monrovia Youth Baseball League produces winners, congrats Eddie, the newspaper of you and your 2 teammates hangs on my wall
STUD!
The 80k is a signing bonus. The minor league pay structure is pretty well set. You get a set amount your first year in a league and a slightly larger amount if you repeat the league. The pay goes up slightly for each level you progress.
This is from MILB.com
4) What do Minor League players earn?
Minor League Baseball player contracts are handled by the Major League Baseball office. Here are the salary ranges:
First contract season: $1,100/month maximum. After that, open to negotiation
Meal Money: $20 per day at all levels, while on the road
Not surprising he got that much from the angels, who since Moreno came on board have overpaid for guys they really want....I to agree about Cly...Saying no to Chico State - a D-II school is not like saying know to a Cal State Fullerton, where you can work your way into a top pick...it's not very likely that a d-ii player is going to be a first-round pick
I heard yesterday that Eddie signed for 80k. Not too sure about the amount of years but 80k is said to be 6-10th round money. Eddie was drafted in the 17th round.
What about Robert Obrian? Did Mike Perez play baseball through high school? Chris Somain?
Cly went to chico state for his junior and senior year. He did ok, but did not amount to anything. At one time he was regarded as one of the top prep pitchers in the nation.
What happened to Cly? He and Mikey Graham threw fastest of any little league pitcher I ever went up against. Of course, Cly had a lot more control.
Sorry, CLY was class of 1996
Last time a local SGV kid was drafted by the Angels in the 17th round was 1995 graduated of Arcadia high, Jason Cly. He chose to pursue college ball which was the biggest mistake of his life. So, Eddie, you are making the right choice!
yes i had biology with you good job man
Edward, you have been blessing from above. We are always watching over you and will be there with you from behind the mount praying.
God Bless you
Grandpa & Grandma
Congratulations Eddie that is a fantastic achievement. You are one of the greatest competitors I have either had on my team or shared the field with. I wish you the best of luck with your future and hopefully someday I will have the privilege of playing with you or against you again.
Eddie,
It was a pleasure to finally get to play against you this year.
Anyone who has seen you play knows you are a competitor and a true team player.
Stick with what got you to this point: hustle, work ethic, determination. Good luck.
Great job, Eddie.
Don't take anything for granted out there; get it done with hard work and passion for the game.
All the best to you.
Eddie Mac:
To one of the best competitors in recent memory, best of luck to you. Keep proving your doubters wrong. You will have a lot of So Cali's rooting for you to do well and hope to see you in the OC somewhere down the road on the mound!
Angels' organization, huh?
I can't wait until he's assigned to the Class-A Rancho Cucamunga Quakes... I can bet there will be a few 'Cats in the crowd!
Congrats, Eddie... but, please don't forget about your education... it will mean more in the long run.
17th round. what kind of money is that? -just curious.
wow good for you Eddie. i hope you the best of luck. try not to forget m-town too much.
Congrats and GOOD LUCK Eddie. I may be a Dodger fan, but I will always be an Eddie fan. Even as an Angel playing the Dodgers.
DAWG
Go Wildcats!!!
Nice work, Eddie. I watched you cruise through the first round game.
I hope you pursue college in the off-season.
Congrats.....Stay competitive and last a long time in the League. You Deserve it. Even some of your Haters will love you for this(: