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Ex-Hernando star Brown is relieved to be drafted
Washington Nationals make dream come true for the UCF senior outfielder.
By LARRY BUGG
Published June 9, 2005
For Dee Brown, it was like he won American Idol , the lottery and every other contest under the sun.
The former Hernando High School star took a call at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday. A representative of the Washington Nationals told Brown that he was selected by the organization in the 10th round of the Major League Baseball Draft.
It was the first time Brown was drafted, and excitement was mixed with relief for the University of Central Florida senior outfielder.
"I was just glad that it was over," Brown said. "It's been three years. It starts a new beginning."
The Brooksville native stopped playing football last fall to concentrate on baseball. This season, he hit .312 and produced 18 homers and 71 runs batted in. Brown had spoken often to a Nationals scout the past two weeks.
"It really didn't matter what round," Brown said. "I was ready to go play. I have been talking to them a lot."
Brown said he wasn't concerned about signing-bonus money or where the Nationals were going to send him. He also wasn't thinking about why he didn't get drafted last season or after his prep graduation.
"I don't look back at anything," Brown said. "I got drafted this year for a reason. I don't think about those things I can't control. I'm pretty excited about this."
So are the many area people waiting to watch the 6-foot, 230-pound athlete play on television. Donnie Whitehead, a friend and Hernando assistant coach, was happy for Brown.
"It is a well-deserved reward for a lot of hard work," Whitehead said. "It's long overdue."
The coach said Brown may go to the Nationals' extended spring training after he signs.
"I think it is a great organization for him to be able to break into," Whitehead said. "They try to develop players from within. I think it is a good fit. He will be able to work with people who have his best interests at heart."
And the Washington franchise is lucky to get Brown. "I think a lot of teams passed on a diamond in the rough," Whitehead said. "I think (the Nationals) will be extremely happy with the player they chose and where they chose him. If there is one thing he will bring to the table, it is his work ethic. He is definitely driven to do it."
Brown had a lasting impact at Hernando.
"He made me a better coach," Whitehead said. "I learned as much from him as he learned from me. He is playing for me. Every at bat he gets, I get a piece of the at bat with him. I couldn't be happier for him.
"I enjoy coaching much more than I did playing," Whitehead said. "Every once in a while you get to work with somebody like Dee."
[Last modified June 9, 2005, 01:18:10]
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