Not since the St. Louis Cardinal third basemen David Freese has an STLCC-Meramec alumnus been drafted in the Major League Baseball Draft. That could change in a couple of years.
Joe Ray
– Assistant Online Editor –
Not since the St. Louis Cardinal third basemen David Freese has an STLCC-Meramec alumnus been drafted in the Major League Baseball Draft. That could change in a couple of years.
Meramec Magic outfielder Les Smith has already committed to the University of Mississippi, but has considered entering the draft by a potential Major League Baseball team.
“There are a lot of determining factors that go into that. It depends on the round and what type of contract they offer me,” Smith said.
Smith was originally born in Dyersburg, Tenn. He is currently a sophomore, who transferred from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
Smith currently has a batting average of .356, with 5 home runs and 37 runs batted in.
“As a teammate he is a great all-around guy. He is always the first one to the field and last one to leave the field. Always taking swings later then everyone in the field and always giving 110 percent effort,” Mike Bibas, Magic starting pitcher, said.
Bibas said he believes that this kind of attention is good for Meramec. “Getting drafted is always good for this program. A lot more people will want to come here when you see someone getting drafted like David Freese, “ Bibas said.
Currently, Smith doesn’t have an agent and intends on entering the draft solo. Every major league team has contacted Smith about potentially drafting him.
Smith is still unsure of what direction he wants to go in, as far as the draft. He likes the idea of finishing his education at Ole Miss but also feels it would be a great accomplishment if he got drafted in the top 50.
“I think his play this season is average at best. He is a professional hitter for sure. You know the one thing we’ve done is really made him a total hitter; he was a dead pull guy. So now he hits to both fields for power,” coach Tony Dattoli said. “Defensively, incredible arm; gives the capability to play a deep outfield and is able to throw guys out at second and third, especially at the plate.”
“I am going to miss every guy on the team,” said Smith. “Our assistant coach Zach Graefser told us on the first day of practice, ‘the only guys you are going to talk to for the rest of your lives are your Ju-Co (Junior College) teammates.” Smith wants to keep in touch with all of his teammates.
Smith said his favorite team growing up was the Los Angeles Dodgers and would love to get drafted by them. Some scouts have told him he would be a corner outfield, if drafted. Others have not given up the idea of Smith moving to the infield to play third base.
“The ultimate decision comes down to me. I am going to be the one that makes the decision– me and my lord and savior. I am a big Christian, so I will have to pray about it. Hopefully, I will make the right decision, and I think I will,” Smith said.
