The Milwaukee Brewers must have liked what they saw last week when Clint Coulter worked out for them at Miller Park.
The Brewers used one of their first-round picks Monday to select Coulter, a senior at Union High School. Coulter, a catcher, was the 27th overall selection at Major League Baseball’s First-Year Player Draft.
“I can’t say I didn’t get nervous,” Coulter said on MLB Network’s broadcast, just moments after shaking the hand of MLB commissioner Bud Selig and donning the Brewers’ uniform.
Coulter was one of a handful of prospects who accepted an invitation to the draft in New York City. Last week, Coulter said he was confident he would be among the top 30 picks.
The Brewers made it happen roughly three hours after the draft started.
“It’s got to be one of the top organizations to go to,” Coulter said by phone late Monday night. “Huge fan base. Great city. Awesome stadium. Miller Park was just awesome. I honestly couldn’t ask for anything more.”
Coulter said he never concerned himself with worry over where he would end up at the draft.
“So many great players out here,” Coulter said. “Just to be selected, just to be considered, was a great opportunity. Only 30 picks in the first round.”
Coulter is the first Clark County high school baseball player to be taken in the first round since Ty Howington of Hudson’s Bay was selected by the Reds with the 14th pick in 1999.
Coulter now must decide if he wants to forgo college to turn professional this summer. Coulter has a scholarship from Arizona State. The deadline for amateur players to sign with professional teams is July 13.
Coulter said last week that he wants to start his professional career sooner rather than later, but it would all depend on the draft and then contract negotiations.
The talks can start later. Monday was a day for celebration for Coulter and his family. Clint’s mom and dad, Cliff and Sherry, and Clint’s older brother Michael were at draft headquarters.
“Life’s pretty crazy right now. My phone’s blowing up,” Cliff Coulter said.
The Columbian contacted Cliff within 30 minutes of Clint’s selection. Clint Coulter was still performing draftee duties and called later.
Cliff Coulter said he figured his son was going to be taken somewhere between the 20th and 30th pick. He knew the Diamondbacks liked him, so it was a little nerve-racking when Arizona selected another high school catcher with the 26th pick.
“I thought he was going to the Diamondbacks,” Cliff said. “I thought, ‘This is not good.’ I got over it real quick.”
The 27th overall pick was obtained by the Brewers after Prince Fielder signed with the Detroit Tigers as a free agent.
Besides those nerves during the last few picks of the first round, the rest of the experience was a blast for the Coulter family.
“It was really fun. The guys treated us like you can’t imagine,” Cliff said. “It was all about us being comfortable.”
Along with the other prospects, the draft featured hall of famers and current major league stars.
“To be here among the best players in the world has been a great experience,” Clint Coulter said. “Hopefully I’ll be playing with or against some of these guys. It’s time for me to put on my hard hat and go to work.
“But you never work a day in your life if you love it. It’s easy for me. I love playing.”
