Before last year’s MLB Draft, Adrian Sampson had no expectations.
Even after finishing off a solid season and helping his Bellevue College team to a conference championship, the 2010 Skyline graduate knew questions about his health, durability and long term future remained in the minds of scouts and front office management.
“I didn’t have any idea what would happen in the draft because I was kind of off the radar,” said Sampson, who was ultimately chosen 16th by the Florida Marlins in 2011. The decision to return to BC this year was an easy one given where he was selected and the opportunity to work with head coach Mark Yoshino for another season. That choice was rewarded last week, when the Pittsburgh Pirates took Sampson in the fifth round of the 2012 MLB Draft after he posted an 11-0 season on the mound, setting the unofficial strikeout NWAACC record in the process.
“He pitched this year with confidence,” Yoshino said. “Adrian has always had a strong work ethic and is always looking to get better.”
Sampson finished his undefeated season with four complete games, and a 1.36 ERA after appearing in 13 games. He struck out 107 batters (against only 27 walks), which Yoshino said is the highest total anyone around the program could find going back as far as 1987.
The breakout year was a long time coming for Sampson, who starred at Skyline before Tommy John surgery forced him to the dugout for his entire senior season in 2010. He also underwent an arthroscopic procedure on his knee to correct a non-baseball injury that he had dealt with since his prep days. Yoshino credited Sampson with his determination to rehab from the injuries, but the player himself gave a nod to Yoshino and the coaching staff for much of his development during his time as a Bulldog.
“He did everything for me,” Sampson said of Yoshino. “He and his staff bring the whole package to BC.”
While he has already signed a letter of intent with the University of Oregon and head coach George Horton, Sampson said he will likely opt instead to begin his professional career in the Pirates organization.
“It’s a really tough decision, especially with the season Oregon just had and with coach Horton there,” Sampson said. “I just feel mentally and physically ready to start my career and the next step is pro baseball.”
Sampson and all other players selected in the draft have until 5 p.m. (ET) on July 13 to finalize and sign a contract.
Adrian’s older brother Julian was selected by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 12th round in 2007 after finishing his own prep career at Skyline and has spent the past six seasons bouncing around the minor leagues. He is currently 3-0 thus far in 2012, pitching for the Rockland Boulders of the CanAm League.
Sophomore catcher Alex Ross was taken by the hometown Mariners in the 36th round of the draft and 2013 signee Theo Alexander of Lake Washington High School was chosen in the seventh round by the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Skyline senior catcher Jim Sinatro, who helped the Spartans to a division title during the prep season, was taken with pick 1059 overall by the Houston Astros.
