In the past six years, five Grambling baseball players have been drafted to play at the professional level. Wednesday, Edwin “Woody” Drexler was drafted in the 38th round by the Los Angelos Dodgers.
The Jeanerette native recently from Grambling in May with a bachelor’s degree in sports management.
“It means everything to me,” said Drexler. “I’ve always dreamed of having the opportunity to play professional baseball, and my parents always pushed education.”
Drexler will fly out to Arizona Friday to start playing rookie ball and plans to work his way up to make it to the Major League.
GSU head baseball coach James Cooper is very pleased with his former center fielder. He described it as being a “remarkable feeling to see him graduate and get drafted.”
Cooper believes all of his players are students first and being an athlete comes second.
He also has another former baseball player to be proud of as well.
Cory Jordan will get a second chance in professional baseball with the New York Yankees.
In 2013, the Houston native was drafted in the 35th round by the Tampa Bay Rays. This made him the first Tiger pitcher to get drafted since 1996. He played with the Hudson Valley Renegades for a year, which is a part of the Tampa Bay Rays’ organization.
“Cory has all the ability to be an MLB pitcher,” said Cooper. “He has the make-up, ability, size, physical stature and arm strength that scouts crave over.”
Unlike many other baseball players, Jordan was given another opportunity, Cooper added. “I’m sure he will make the best of it. I believe he will.”
The 6’5 220 pound pitcher is thankful for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
“I’m at a loss for words, and it’s just hard to describe what I’m feeling now,” Jordan said. “But I just thank God for this opportunity and another chance at playing the game I love.
“This time will be different,” he said.