CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Walsh Jesuit shortstop/pitcher Johnny Fasola was taken in the 36th round of Major League Baseball's first-year player draft by the Los Angeles Dodgers Wednesday. He was the 1,102nd pick overall. "We can finally exhale," said his father, John.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Walsh Jesuit shortstop/pitcher Johnny Fasola was taken in the 36th round of Major League Baseball's first-year player draft by the Los Angeles Dodgers Wednesday. He was the 1,102nd pick overall.
"We can finally exhale," said his father, John.
Fasola has signed a letter-of-intent to play at Kansas State, which has given him a 75 percent scholarship. The Fasolas will meet with the Dodgers this week to negotiate a signing bonus and decide whether or not to sign with Los Angeles or go to Kansas State.
Johnny Fasola said the Dodgers considered him an 11th-20th round level pick and would offer him money in that range.
"We gave them a number and we'll see what they come back with. If they don't, he's got a scholarship to Kansas State," John Fasola said.
Fasola is a hard-throwing right-hander, but the Dodgers plan to develop him as a position player at either shortstop, third base or the outfield. Going into last week's state tournament, he was hitting .570 (53-of-86) with 10 doubles, nine homers and 43 RBI. He was the hero of the Warriors' state semifinal win when he drove in two runs and pitched four hitless innings. Walsh lost in the Division II state final.
The Fasolas were under the impression Johnny would be drafted Tuesday, when the second through 30th rounds were conducted. They had received a strong indication from the Texas that the Rangers would select him.
Fasola said he was disappointed Tuesday, but happy Wednesday.
"It's awesome," he said. "I sat around [Tuesday] and didn't want to get my hopes up. But when they kept drafting guys I knew I could play with, or guys I played with in the summer, I'm thinking, 'I can hang with this guy.' It was a little disappointing when you hear those guys names called and you don't get called."
Fasola didn't follow the draft online Wednesday and went out with friends.
"My dad called me and he was all breathing heavy, saying, 'Get home. You got drafted by the Dodgers,'" he said.