St. John’s University, Jamaica, as well as some local Catholic high schools, had a good showing in this year’s Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft, June 6-8.
St. John’s has built a tradition of producing professional prospects, and this year was no different, as four Red Storm players will be given a chance to pursue their baseball dreams.
Highlighting this list, Red Storm junior shortstop Joe Panik was selected with the 29th overall pick in the first round by the San Francisco Giants. He played three seasons at St. John’s after graduating from John Jay H.S., Cross River.
Though this selection came as a surprise to many baseball analysts, the Giants coveted Panik for his strong lefty bat. He led St. John’s with a .398 batting average this season.
“It was a surreal experience to hear my name called by Bud Selig, and I have never felt so much joy in my life,” said Panik. “I want to thank my family for all of their support an
d all of my coaches, especially the coaching staff at St. John’s, for helping me become the player I am today.”
St. John’s Head Coach Ed Blankmeyer believes Panik will be a great fit for the Giants.
“He’s a solid defender; he’s a very good baseball player, but offensively he made tremendous strides,” said Blankmeyer. “Every year that he played here, he got better. I expect as he goes through the levels of play he will adjust to those levels.”
Panik will follow in the footsteps of Brooklyn-born Rich Aurilia – another shortstop who attended St. John’s and was drafted by the Giants (1992).
He will report to Oregon to play for the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes, the Giants short season Single-A affiliate.
“It’s special, especially getting picked by the defending champs,” Panik told the NY Post. “They think that highly of me. It’s awesome.”
Panik’s teammate, St. Francis Prep’s, Fresh Meadows, Paul Karmas, was selected in the 25th round of the draft by the San Diego Padres. Karmas and Panik will now be N.L. West rivals.
“This is an absolute dream come true and by far the best day of my life,” said Karmas. “I am so thankful that the Padres called my name and are giving me the opportunity to continue my baseball career.”
The senior first baseman from Douglaston was a three-time All-Big East selection. In addition to leading the Prep to a N.Y.C. championship in 2007, Karmas left St. John’s as the program’s all-time leader in hits (246) and doubles (68).
Blankmeyer believes that Karmas’ good size and power potential will benefit him at the next level.
“When he’s [Karmas] locked in and he stays in the middle of the field, he’s a good hitter,” said Blankmeyer.
Karmas’ high school coach, Brother Robert Kent, O.S.F., said the seniors nicknamed Paul “The Franchise” when he was just a sophomore.
“He’s an extremely hard worker,” noted Brother Robert. “He finally made it this year. He just wanted a shot.”
Karmas will play this season for the Eugene Emeralds in Eugene, Ore.
St. John’s second baseman Matt Wessinger was drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the 37th round. The junior hit a career-high six home runs this season.
“Matt’s a very good ‘fast-twitch’ athlete,” said Blankmeyer. “He runs well, he’s got a very good arm and he’s got very good hands.”
Finally, Red Storm catcher Joe Witkowski was not drafted, but he signed a free-agent contract with the Houston Astros. His .993 career fielding percentage displays his defensive prowess behind the plate.
“Here at St. John’s, in regards to how we approach our program, we challenge these players,” said Blankmeyer. “We challenge them with their work ethic; we challenge them with the schedule we put together.”
