MLB or college? Here's what Grayson Saunier decided after being drafted by the Texas Rangers
It’s still surreal to Grayson Saunier he was drafted by the Texas Rangers in the MLB Draft last week. The former Collierville pitcher didn’t have a big draft party and didn’t make a big deal of the moment, but he said it still doesn’t feel real his name was called to potentially begin his professional career.
Saunier said the Rangers, who drafted him in the 19th round with the 559th overall pick, gave him a heads up they were planning to take him on day three of the draft. But the righthander was set on spending the next three years in Oxford, Mississippi. So, of course, when he found out he was drafted, he was sitting in the locker room at Ole Miss, about to begin a workout when someone in the locker room mentioned he was selected.
“Once I saw the video of my name being called it honestly is just all kind of surreal," Saunier said. "Just to think about dreams I had as a kid.”
Nothing was going to disrupt his aspirations of playing college baseball and getting a chance at a national championship – in his case, helping the Rebels defend their national title.
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Saunier was in Oxford for orientation when the team came back to celebrate with its fans. He saw the walk of champions with the trophy and the parade. All that did was further validate he made the right decision.
“Not every school’s baseball program is appreciated and given the support that Ole Miss is,” he added. "So playing in front of all those fans and being a part of that community is special, and I’m looking forward to being a part of that.”
It was going to take more than hearing his name during the draft to sway him from going to college. It depended on what team selected him and then if the money would be worth surpassing the experience of playing college baseball and getting an education. Saunier is majoring in marketing at Ole Miss and plans to graduate by the time he’s eligible for the draft again in three years.
"We are so proud of Grayson and thankful to the Texas Rangers for drafting him, but we are most excited about Grayson honoring his commitment to the Ole Miss baseball program and coaches," his mother, Jennifer said. "The ultimate goal is for Grayson to help the Rebels win another championship and to be a first rounder in three years."
Now he has to prepare for improving his draft stock.
“Really just to work hard and hope to get better each day and really just focus on my craft and get better over the next three years,” Saunier said “… Gain insight from players and coaches that we have here and really try to soak everything in and grow in every aspect I can.”
At Collierville, Saunier helped lead the Dragons to the state tournament, despite missing the early part of the season due to injury. Now he has a chance to re-establish himself in his new home about an hour away.
He had an easier decision than most when it came to going pro or going to college. Now he's set on on proving he made the right one.
Reach Wynston Wilcox at wwilcox@gannett.com and on Twitter @wynstonw__.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Here's what Grayson Saunier decided after being drafted by the Texas Rangers
