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Jesse Berardi became the first St. John’s player to hear his named called in the 2017 MLB Draft.
A shortstop who helped lead Ed Blankmeyer’s team back to the NCAA Tournament, Berardi was picked in the 10th round by the Cleveland Indians, 312th overall.
From the Indians site on Scout.com on the All Big East First-Team member:
Jesse Berardi might be my favorite pick the Indians made in the first ten rounds....What he does best is hit, and also walks at a solid clip.... The overall look is an average defensive second baseman with above average on base skills and below average power. It is a profile of a potential starter. He has a chance to go from 10th round pick to one of the Indians top 20 prospects.
And of course, Berardi can do this.
Are you kidding me Jesse Berardi?! #SJUBase pic.twitter.com/xdSnjWhosi
— St. John's Baseball (@StJohnsBaseball) May 3, 2017
Judging by his reaction, Berardi does not plan to try and play another season to improve his draft status, despite felling a few rounds below where predictions slated him to be picked. From the Newsday:
“It was pretty exciting and I’m just excited to have an opportunity to join a great organization,” said Berardi.... “St. John’s was great for me, and I’ll never forget the memories.”
The MLB Draft continues today. Other draft-eligible players to watch for from the 42-win St. John’s baseball team include Michael Donadio (OF); Troy Dixon (C); John Valente (1B); and Jamie Galazin (OF).