Arizona Tabs MSU's Edward Easley In Sandwich Round Of MLB Draft
Late Thursday afternoon Easley was selected in the supplemental round of Major League Baseball’s annual June draft. It’s the highest round ever for a Mississippi State catcher. Former Bulldog receiver Craig Tatum, a third-round pick of the Cincinnati Reds in 2004, previously held that distinction.
Easley, from Olive Branch, Miss., was selected in the supplemental round sandwiched in between the first and second rounds of the draft and was the 61st player selected overall in the draft.
“It’s probably the best news of my life,” Easley told reporters attending the pre-regional tournament dinner for the two teams. I wasn’t expecting to be picked that high. Being a first round supplemental pick was definitely a surprise.”
Easley, who has earned All-America, All-SEC and All-South Region honors, enters Friday’s Super Regional matchup with Clemson sporting a .367 batting average. He leads the club with 83 hits, 12 home runs and 61 RBIs, and paces the SEC behind the dish with 28 base-runners caught stealing. Last month was named the recipient of the Cellular South Ferriss Trophy as the top collegiate baseball player in Mississippi and recently was tabbed one of three finalists for the Coleman Company Johnny Bench Award presented to college baseball’s top catcher.
“Coach Polk helped me make probably the best decision of my life after high school ---- to come to Mississippi State,” said Easley. “Coming to State helped me mature and get better at the game, and I really appreciate everything he has done for me.”