White drafted by Philadelphia Phillies

By Jason Avery

News-Times Staff

For former Parkers Chapel standout Eric White, the dream of getting an opportunity to become a professional baseball player has become a reality.

On Wednesday, White was selected by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 26th round of the Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft.

“It’s a dream come true,” White said. “It’s been my dream since I was a little kid to play professional baseball, and thankfully, the Lord has blessed me in that aspect. Now I can go live my dream. I’m really blessed. It’s an honor.”

As a redshirt junior at Southern Arkansas, White had one more year of eligibility remaining, but he said he would be signing with the Phillies in the coming days.

White added that he will attend a mini-camp with other Phillies draftees and prospects to determine which affiliate he will play for.

Wednesday also marks the second time that White has been drafted.

In 2014, White was taken by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 32nd round, and that prior draft experience proved to be very beneficial.

“It gave me some good experience for sure,” White said. “I was a little anxious today. I didn’t know where I was going to go. I had been talking with my advisor a little bit and calling him all day. I was kind of anxious, but I’m glad it’s over now, and I can just relax and enjoy it.”

White’s selection by the Phillies caps what’s been a season of re-emergence for the right-hander, whose fastball has been clocked as high as 99 mph this spring and generally resides between 93 and 96 mph.

After taking a medical redshirt in his junior season at Dallas Baptist, White transferred to Southern Arkansas.

Sharing the closer duties with Nick Starr, himself drafted in the 19th round by the Cincinnati Reds, White dominated, going 1-1 with a 1.99 ERA.

In 31 2/3 innings, White allowed only 15 hits, walked 11 and struck out 44.

Opposing hitters hit just .146 against White, and he surrendered only two extra-base hits in 103 at-bats.

White admitted that the opportunity of getting drafted again perhaps wouldn’t be in the offing, but he once he arrived at SAU, he knew he had to begin improving if his dream was going to be realized.

“I really didn’t know, but I was going to try my hardest to achieve that goal again,” White said.

“At one point last year, I didn’t think it was possible just because of how everything was going, but when I left DBU, it put a chip on my shoulder. I wanted to do better, and I knew I had to get better if I wanted to achieve that goal.”

Now his work with the Muleriders has paid off handsomely, and White was thankful to get the opportunity.

“SAU is a powerhouse in Division II baseball,” White said. “They’re well-known throughout the country. Coach (Justin) Pettigrew and the coaches run it well. They get you in the weight room and they push you. They make you want to be a better player, and a better person on and off the field. I’m just really blessed that I got over there.”

With his pro career set to begin, White was reflective on all of the people who have helped in his development.

“I’ve had a ton of coaches throughout my life, and every one of them has helped me in some aspect,” White said.

“My dad spent countless hours playing catch with me when I was younger and taking me to the batting cage and everything. He did that literally every day all through high school, so I’m really blessed.”

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