The major league baseball amateur draft is upon us and for Branson’s Sam Perez it did not take all that long for his name to be called. The former Pirate and Missouri State pitcher was selected in the fifth round by the Miami Marlins. He was the 143rd player to be taken overall in the draft.
Perez spent most of his time at Missouri State working out of the bullpen finishing his career with a 20-2 record. This past season he was especially good fanning 112 batters in 36 appearances. He did not allow a run in his last 22 2/3 innings.
Perez will enter contract negotiations and find out where in the minor league system he will be assigned.
There is still a chance another Branson product will be drafted. Mike Compton awaits the call that could come on Saturday.