ICYMI: @Ben_Leeper5 struck out six tonight, including the final batter of the game giving #okstate the 2-0 win over Brigham-Young#GoPokes pic.twitter.com/eCpIOaj5zF
— OSU Cowboy Baseball (@OSUBaseball) March 6, 2020
With the knee jerk decisions of the last 24 hours, my son and as an extension, my wife and myself, have had our baseball world completely decimated. It started with the cancel of the College World Series but it appeared the league's were taking a more "wait and see" approach. He and his teammates were told they would continue to workout and play scheduled team scrimmages. They would reevaluate the possibility of a resumed conference schedule in 2-3 weeks. Then today the B12 completely killed that.
I’d give up spring break, Christmas break, summer break for one more game with the boys. https://t.co/q3LCFFt6la
— Ben Leeper (@Ben_Leeper5) March 13, 2020
He is a 5th year senior this year and made the decision to return to try and improve his draft stock. Many of you got to see him pitch the 8th & 9th against the Ags in Frisco. Without going into the long history, he's overcome incredible odds to be where he is today. He was fairly heavily pursued in last year's draft on the second day during the 8th thru the 10th round but decided he could assure himself more opportunities at the next level if he'd bet on himself and try to improve his draft position. In his two outings after Frisco, he struck out 8 of the 9 batters he faced and his trajectory was climbing fast. Then the rug was yanked yesterday and he was punched in the gut today. The unforeseen problem for these draft eligible players now is trying to keep themselves in game condition for 3 months until the draft. There's a big difference in bullpen shape than game shape and you just can't simulate games and live batters in a bullpen. Besides losing future opportunities to be scouted, staying in game shape will be the biggest challenge for these players. In a normal year, they transition straight from college competition to minor league ball. I really feel for these guys to have this kind of uncertainty for their lifelong dream. Another year of eligibility does him no good because age will become a factor. I'm truly depressed.
He pitches the last 6 outs of this video. #5. #6 is in the same situation.
The K counter went krazy Thursday night at Allie P. — here's all 1⃣9⃣ KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK racked up by Parker Scott & @Ben_Leeper5 #GoPokes #okstate #MakeItHappen pic.twitter.com/felP8ha6LL
— OSU Cowboy Baseball (@OSUBaseball) March 6, 2020
Sorry for the rambling.........