A Career begins in Pataskala
He got his phone out of his pocket, checked for some texts, then put it back in his pocket. Every few minutes, he’d reach back into his pocket and check again, just to make sure he had not missed the call of a lifetime.
Eric Arnett stood in a bar in Pataskala with nearly 100 of his closest friends and family, awaiting MLB Commissioner Bud Selig to say his name. He’d heard projections that would send him to the Cleveland Indians with the 15th pick overall, but knew he would likely go somewhere toward the end of the 1st round. As the picks were announced, he talked with his friends and signed autographs, trying to keep his nerves down. It worked. This is what makes him a candidate to become a major league pitcher—it’s all about handling pressure.
And just after 8pm, when Selig said “the Milwaukee Brewers select Eric Arnett” the room went bonkers. With the 26th pick overall, Arnett was on his way to chasing his big league dreams.
He spoke humbly afterward, talking with his advisor/agent and repeatedly thanking all the people who came to support him. He thanked the Brewers GM over the phone and pledged he’d work tirelessly to live up to their expectations.
Arnett’s earned his shot at the bigs, and he’s on his way with a entire community’s love to power him.
