Draft day brings back memories

Bronson Arroyo missed the big call, and Mike Walker twice turned his back on the calls.

By BRANT JAMES

© St. Petersburg Times, published June 9, 2000

The day seems so long ago, but in a way, only yesterday.

Former Hernando High pitcher Bronson Arroyo had a feeling he would be taken in the 1995 June draft, but thought it would take awhile. It didn't, and he missed the phone call when the Pittsburgh Pirates rang to tell him they had taken him in the third round.

But at least he was well-groomed when scout Scott Lovekamp dropped by later in the day to sign him.

"I remember I was excited on draft day," Arroyo remembered, "but after I woke up I was hanging around, so I went to get a haircut. By the time I got back, my dad said the Pirates had called."

Major League Baseball draft day -- three of them -- was a much different experience for Mike Walker, who eventually became the first Hernando Countian to play in the majors.

Walker did not sign the first two times he was selected and was reluctant the third.

Word on the first "big" day came in 1984 at Emerson Field after he had finished playing in a summer league game.

"A couple of people who knew a Mariners scout in town told me I was taken by Montreal," he said. "I was excited, of course, curious. I didn't even know what round it was."

Walker, taken in the 14th round, elected not to sign for a couple of reasons.

"They told me I was going to be sent to Jamestown, N.Y.," he said. "They said that to a guy from Brooksville, Florida, and I said, "No, thanks.' "

Walker said the fact Hernando County was to host the Dixie League World Series after winning the championship in 1983 also affected his decision. He had played on the title team and had the chance to help defend the championsip at home.

"That was a big reason," he laughed. "You could say I didn't sign so I could pitch in a youth league."

Walker attended junior college, dodged another draft by Montreal the next year (in the first round, secondary phase), then was taken by Cleveland in the second round in 1986.

That one didn't elicit joy either.

"I remember them drafting me and being upset," he said. "They stunk. I had signed with (Florida State) and knew it would be two more years before I could be drafted again, so I had to go."

Walker played professionally for 14 seasons, most of it in the Indians organization.

In just the sixth year of his professional career, and stationed at Triple-A Nashville awaiting his promotion to the majors, Arroyo marvels at his journey.

"Sometimes I think back and it does seem like yesterday when I was in my high school days," he said. "Then I think back about rookie ball and it seems like forever."

No Hernando County high school players will share such memories this year. Hernando catcher Chris Cole seemingly had the best chance after being scouted by Colorado, Arizona, and Minnesota, but the All-Hernando/Citrus first-team designated hitter was not among players taken in 50 rounds of drafting.

One county resident was taken, however, although he did not play for either Hernando, Central, or Springstead. Chris Way, who formerly played at Hudson but transferred to Ridgewood, was selected in the 35th round by Seattle. He lists his residence as Spring Hill.

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