Reading's Ben O'Shea Drafted By Chicago White Sox

Reading native and pitcher Ben O'Shea was drafted in the tenth round of the MLB draft by the Chicago White Sox, leaving him to decide whether he wanted to sign with the Big Leagues, or attend college at the University of Maryland in the fall.  

O'Shea had previously signed a scholarship with UMD to attend the university, and had until the middle of August to decide whether he was going to sign a contract with the White Sox.

For O'Shea, his decision came down to the more concrete option: attend college, get a solid education, and have something to fall back on, just in case.

"I have decided to go to Maryland next year, I feel that education is still important right now in case baseball doesn't work out," said O'Shea.

O'Shea who previously played for Roger Williams University, and Santa Fe College was a standout pitcher throughout his college career thus far.

Throughout his stint with Santa Fe, he went 8-2 on the season, with a 3.10 ERA and struck out 81 batters in 52.1 innings pitched.

O'Shea, who also plays for the , said he was both surprised and happy when he got the phone call informing him that he had been drafted.

"I was at my house swimming when I got the call for getting drafted," said O'Shea. "Getting the call was great because I wasn't expecting it as I had just told the scout, Joe Siers, I was leaning towards school."

O'Shea contributes some of his athletic success to a few different mentors in his life, all who have supported him throughout his baseball career.

"I wouldn't say one person has influenced me throughout my career. My dad got me into baseball, and pushes me the most. My friends dad, Dave Gray, has coached me since I could throw a ball, and my Grandfather has always talked to me about baseball since I was young and loves to see me succeed," he said.