July 4, 2018 at 10:20 p.m.
Thwaits agrees to pro deal
Fort Recovery graduate forgoes college to pursue professional career
Thwaits agrees to pro deal
By CHRIS SCHANZ
The Commercial Review
The deal is done.
All that’s left is a signature.
Nick Thwaits, a 2018 Fort Recovery High School graduate, agreed to terms Wednesday on a professional contract with the San Diego Padres.
“It’s surreal,” said Thwaits, who was drafted in the 15th round, 441st overall, in the June 6 Major League Baseball First Year Player Draft. “It’s a dream come true.”
The right-hander and Kent State University signee had to wait for the Padres’ first-round draft pick Ryan Weathers, a left-handed pitcher from Loretta, Tennessee. Weathers, who was selected seventh overall, agreed Monday to a signing bonus of $5.2 million.
Thwaits’ bonus was $450,000, as reported by mlb.com’s Jim Callis.
The deadline for draftees to sign is Friday.
“We had a (bonus value) in mind and they were able to match it,” Thwaits said.
The 6-foot, 2-inch, 195-pounder was scheduled to fly early this morning to Peoria, Arizona. He was supposed to officially sign his contract before joining one of two of the Padres’ Arizona League teams. The AZL is a rookie-level league and the lowest rung of the professional baseball ladder.
Should Thwaits have success with the AZL Padres, he could end up close to home with the Fort Wayne TinCaps, the organization’s Low-A affiliate, by the end of the season.
Other teams in the Padres’ farm system are:
•AAA – El Paso (Texas) Chihuahuas
•AA – San Antonio (Texas) Missions
•High-A – Lake Elsinore (California) Storm
•Short-season – Tri-City (Pasco, Washington) Dust Devils
In high school, Thwaits played his freshman season with the Marion Local Flyers before transferring to Fort Recovery ahead of his sophomore year.
In 2016, Thwaits helped guide the Indians to the Division IV state semifinal for the second consecutive year, and during his junior season he was named Midwest Athletic Conference player of the year.
As a junior, Thwaits set the FRHS program record with a 0.40 ERA. He was 4-1 in seven starts, striking out 67 and walking just six batters in 35 innings to become the program’s first conference player of the year.
This season, Thwaits led Fort Recovery to the program’s first MAC championship in repeating as player of the year. In 44 2/3 innings, he was 4-2 with one save in nine starts. He struck out 82, walked 11 and had an ERA of 1.41.
“I am thrilled for him,” FRHS coach Jerry Kaup said after Thwaits was drafted. “I’m just really thrilled for him. I feel fortunate to be able to have the opportunity to coach him. He is a very diligent, hard-working young man who is really trying to perfect his craft.
“I hope the Padres see that and I hope they see they have a terrific young man."
The Commercial Review
The deal is done.
All that’s left is a signature.
Nick Thwaits, a 2018 Fort Recovery High School graduate, agreed to terms Wednesday on a professional contract with the San Diego Padres.
“It’s surreal,” said Thwaits, who was drafted in the 15th round, 441st overall, in the June 6 Major League Baseball First Year Player Draft. “It’s a dream come true.”
The right-hander and Kent State University signee had to wait for the Padres’ first-round draft pick Ryan Weathers, a left-handed pitcher from Loretta, Tennessee. Weathers, who was selected seventh overall, agreed Monday to a signing bonus of $5.2 million.
Thwaits’ bonus was $450,000, as reported by mlb.com’s Jim Callis.
The deadline for draftees to sign is Friday.
“We had a (bonus value) in mind and they were able to match it,” Thwaits said.
The 6-foot, 2-inch, 195-pounder was scheduled to fly early this morning to Peoria, Arizona. He was supposed to officially sign his contract before joining one of two of the Padres’ Arizona League teams. The AZL is a rookie-level league and the lowest rung of the professional baseball ladder.
Should Thwaits have success with the AZL Padres, he could end up close to home with the Fort Wayne TinCaps, the organization’s Low-A affiliate, by the end of the season.
Other teams in the Padres’ farm system are:
•AAA – El Paso (Texas) Chihuahuas
•AA – San Antonio (Texas) Missions
•High-A – Lake Elsinore (California) Storm
•Short-season – Tri-City (Pasco, Washington) Dust Devils
In high school, Thwaits played his freshman season with the Marion Local Flyers before transferring to Fort Recovery ahead of his sophomore year.
In 2016, Thwaits helped guide the Indians to the Division IV state semifinal for the second consecutive year, and during his junior season he was named Midwest Athletic Conference player of the year.
As a junior, Thwaits set the FRHS program record with a 0.40 ERA. He was 4-1 in seven starts, striking out 67 and walking just six batters in 35 innings to become the program’s first conference player of the year.
This season, Thwaits led Fort Recovery to the program’s first MAC championship in repeating as player of the year. In 44 2/3 innings, he was 4-2 with one save in nine starts. He struck out 82, walked 11 and had an ERA of 1.41.
“I am thrilled for him,” FRHS coach Jerry Kaup said after Thwaits was drafted. “I’m just really thrilled for him. I feel fortunate to be able to have the opportunity to coach him. He is a very diligent, hard-working young man who is really trying to perfect his craft.
“I hope the Padres see that and I hope they see they have a terrific young man."
Top Stories
9/11 NEVER FORGET Mobile Exhibit
Chartwells marketing
September 17, 2024 7:36 a.m.
Events
250 X 250 AD