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ROCKTON, Ill. – 2019 Big Dog alum Tyler Statler saw his name flash across the MLB Draft boards on Wednesday, drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 14th round (425 overall). He becomes the first player to wear a Big Dog uniform drafted into the MLB.
Statler, a recent graduate of Hononegah High School, played for the Big Dogs in grade school and spent two summers with the program until a season-ending injury forced him to sit out the 2018 summer. Now, Statler joins a different summer circuit when he reports to Rookie ball to begin his professional development.
However, Statler returned to form without missing a beat.
The big right-hander was named the 2019 NIC-10 MVP after allowing just 17 hits in 52.2 innings pitchings, punching out 89 batters while walking 27. Additionally, Statler carried a conference-best 1.33 ERA with a minuscule .094 batting average against.
At the 2019 National Indoor Showcase by Perfect Game, Statler topped out at 95 mph. The organization reported "Outstanding raw arm strength, was 93-95 mph early...Can't mistake the arm strength or the potential."
“Got the call at 11:45 today. They called and asked if I wanted to be a Cardinal. We told them yes, after that, we waited and they announced me on the Draft board.”
Statler grew up a Cubs fan, but he told 13 Sports that after he saw his name flash on the screen, he and his family hustled to their nearest sporting goods store to stock up on Cardinals gear, which he donned for his interview with us.
Statler continued, “It was just so exciting. I felt like I was on Cloud 9 knowing I got drafted right out of high school…I can definitely bring my athleticism and my ability to develop myself and work hard.”
“I’ve never been more excited in my life,” Statler said. “Ever since I was young I told myself I wanted to play major league baseball. I’ve worked hard to get where I am right now.”
