That would be Maple Hill's Gavin Van Kempen, who was drafted in the 20th and final round by the St. Louis Cardinals after more than 600 players, including fellow Section II alums Mike Kennedy (Troy/Pittsburgh), Dale Stanavich (Amsterdam/Miami), and Luke Gold (Ballston Spa/Detroit) had been drafted ahead of him.
It has historically been difficult for local players in any sport in the 518 to be drafted, what with a nationwide draft pool, and a more global one in basketball & hockey. As with the others, Van Kempen has a choice to make. Take the money, and start his pro career as soon as possible, or prepare for college. In the case of Stanavich & Gold, of course, their college careers are over, so their alternate option would be to decline the contracts, and see if their status improves next year (doubtful).WNYT/WTMM's Rodger Wyland, writing in the Albany Times-Union today, is advocating Kennedy signing with Pittsburgh, and following the path of Atlanta pitcher Ian Anderson (Shenendehowa) to the bigs.
Of course, we're going to be watching what happens next.
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