MLB calls on local players

Kyle Higashioka of Edison and Huntington Beach’s Calvin Drummond realized childhood dreams when both were selected in the 2008 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft on Friday.

Higashioka, a 6-foot-1, 190-pound catcher for the Chargers who committed last summer to Cal, was selected in the seventh round (230th pick overall) by the New York Yankees.

Drummond, an ace on the mound for the Oilers who just last week committed to Arizona State, was taken in the 34th round (1,028 overall) by the Milwaukee Brewers.

Higashioka was a big offensive threat for Edison. He hit seven home runs and drove in 25 runs, compiling a .385 batting average.

Higashioka said he found out about his draft status via a text message sent by Yankees area scout Dave Keith. He said he was sitting in math class Friday when the message came through.

“A friend of mine saw the message and then announced it to the class. It was pretty exciting,â€� Higashioka said. “It really is a dream come true for me. I’ve been a Yankees and Dodgers fan all my life.â€�

Higashioka said that he will sit down with his family to discuss his options.

“Right now, I’m thinking it over,â€� he said. “If given the chance, I’d be more than happy to sign. But they’d have to make it worth it in order for me to pass up the college experience.

“Either way, I know it’s going to be fun.â€�

Edison Coach Steve Lambright said Higashioka is the “real deal.�

“To be drafted in the seventh round, by the New York Yankees, is truly an honor,â€� Lambright said. “Kyle has an unbelievable work ethic, and he’s the type of player who continually works on his game.

“He’s got a difficult decision to make, but either way he goes, it’s going to be great for him.â€�

Drummond posted a 5-3 record and was a first-team All-Sea View League pick for the second-straight year.

Drummond, 18, said he will attend Arizona State on a partial scholarship and plans to play for the Sun Devils over the next three years.

“To get drafted, no matter where you go and when, is an honor,� Huntington Beach Coach Benji Medure said.

“I’m happy for Calvin and know that he wants to go to college.â€�

Drummond said he wasn’t surprised by the draft outcome.

“A lot of the (Major League) teams knew that I had committed (to Arizona State) so I knew I wouldn’t go high in the draft,â€� he said. “It’s really cool to be drafted, but I’m not satisfied with that. I want to go to ASU and play three years and then get drafted in the first round.

“I’m looking forward to playing at ASU. They are consistently the best team on the West Coast, the school is close to home and I wanted to play in the Pac-10 (Conference).â€�

Both Higashioka and Drummond were selected to the South team for the Orange County North-South All-Star Baseball Game that was played June 3.