Two Emporia State baseball players could be living out their childhood dreams this week.
The Major League Baseball draft begins today and runs through Thursday, and both Conner Crumbliss and Ryan Anthony have a legitimate chance of getting drafted.
Crumbliss, a center fielder and four-year starter, has received the most interest from Major League teams. ESU coach Bob Fornelli has been contacted by Cleveland, Texas, Kansas City, Oakland and St. Louis about Crumbliss.
“He’s the total package,” Fornelli said. “He can run, he can throw, he’s a left-handed hitter. Some people will say he can play a few positions. He’s got a lot of good things going for him. The only drawback is his size.”
Anthony, a left-handed starting pitcher, has received interest from Cleveland and Pittsburgh. Both teams had scouts watch him pitch this season.
“Ryan has unbelievable ability,” Fornelli said. “I think his best days are yet to come as long as he continues to play and continues to stay healthy and takes advantage of some opportunities.
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