What better way to begin your professional career than to be selected as Shorebird of the Week? Okay, I suppose being in the opening day lineup in the Show could top this, but nonetheless Drew Dosch will be given this distinction before ever playing a regular-season game for pay.
Drew was the Orioles’ seventh round pick last year, but instead of following his draft class to Aberdeen he had to recover from knee surgery. So the post-draft portion of 2013 was scrubbed and Dosch came into camp looking for a gig with a full-season team to get caught up – looks like the 21-year-old from Canal Winchester, Ohio (near Columbus) achieved that goal.
Dosch starred at Youngstown State University, basically being the best player on a very mediocre team. Over three years at YSU he hit .325 in 151 games, collecting 11 home runs and 83 RBI in the three seasons before being drafted as a junior. In his final season Drew hit .338/3/30 in 54 games, playing third base for the Penguins.
Of course, missing that time at the tail end of 2013 means Drew will be getting adjusted to pro life with Delmarva, although being from Ohio means he’s used to playing in cold weather. He’s also played in the Cape Cod League, which means a little bit of wooden bat experience as well, so the transition may not be as abrupt as perhaps other players may endure. Normally Delmarva gets a player or two each season who’s starting their professional career above the rookie league, and this year that guy is Dosch.