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Eusebio Drafted by Oakland
TAHLEQUAH, Okla. --- Northeastern State third baseman, Joel Eusebio, was picked up by the Oakland Athletics in the recent Major League Baseball draft. Eusebio was chosen in the 46th round and was the 1,383rd player selected overall.
Sergio Espinal, RiverHawks baseball head coach, said he hopes the four-year starter will make the most of the opportunity.
"Tito (as he also is known) deserves it. He has gotten better and better every year," said Espinal. "I am very excited for him and for our team."
Eusebio led Northeastern State in home runs (12) and RBI (54), while grinding out a .548 slugging percentage. The switch-hitting senior from Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic, is the first player from the baseball program to get drafted since 2006 when pitcher Cody Cisper went to the Chicago White Sox in the 36th round and was later released.
"Joel has a great opportunity ahead of him," said Espinal. "He needs to adjust to hitting with a wooden bat (as compared to aluminum bats at the collegiate level) and keep working on his defense. His arm strength makes him a candidate to play either second or third base."
Eusebio was recruited by Espinal as a shortstop. He also spent time at second base before being permanently moved to third for his junior and senior seasons.
Like a line drive off the bat of St. Louis slugger Albert Pujols, Joel Eusebio may never have seen it coming. But then again, all he needs to do is make the plays to define his future.
