MIAMI SHORES, Fla.—The Barry baseball team hosted its 14th annual scout day on Wednesday, Oct. 3 at Feinbloom Field to showcase the draft eligible players on the Buccaneer roster to many Major League scouts. Head Coach Mark Pavao has hosted the event annually since joining the Buccaneers’ staff and has kept it going after taking over the helm of the program.
“It's just a fantastic situation for the kids, especially the young guys because they get to see what it's like,” said Pavao. “The freshman and sophomores do participate but not as much as the juniors and seniors that are draft eligible.”
The event began with the 60 yard dash, followed by batting practice, an infield/outfield segment, and then a scrimmage involving all draft eligible pitchers. Barry tallies 19 draft-eligible players this season.
The Buccaneers have had 14 players drafted, most recently in 2011 consensus All-American Dean Green by the Tigers and Manny Rodriguez also in 2011 was the highest Buccaneer drafted when he was selected in the 10th round by the Washington Nationals.
“We had great weather, great turn out, and 18 scouts total. We usually get 20-25 but the weather on Monday and Tuesday may have held a few scouts back,” said Pavao.
This spring Pavao enters his 8th season as the Buccaneers’ skipper. The two-time Sunshine State Conference Coach of the Year has led the Bucs to two SSC Championships and a pair of NCAA Tournament appearances in 2009 and 2011.
The Buccaneers open the 2013 season at Feinbloom Field when they host Georgia Southwestern on Feb. 1st .