advertisement

Rasch drafted by Atlanta Braves in 41st round

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[ It&#39;s the thing&#39;s childhood dreams are made of.

And on Wednesday, Harrisburg&#39;s Keelin Rasch dream of playing Major League Baseball took one more step in becoming a reality.

The slugging Bulldog was selected at No. 1,256 overall and in the 41st round by the Atlanta Braves Wednesday afternoon.

Rasch, who had been a staple at third base throughout his prep career as long as some stints on the mound was drafted as a catcher. A position the graduated senior says he hasn&#39;t played since he was about 10 years old.

"They say I have the catcher body type," Rasch said who stands in at 5-foot 11 and 185 pounds. "I have a strong arm so that probably plays a part in it as well."

Last season, Reid Roper and Kollin Dowdy were both selected by the Atlanta Braves. In Wednesday&#39;s 42nd round of the draft, the Braves took Anna-Jonesboro&#39;s Cody Livesay.

Wednesday was all about Rasch and that lunch-time phone call.

"I really wasn&#39;t expecting it," he said. "I did get a call from Todd Poe (John A. Logan) assistant coach and was told that I needed to start looking. The next thing I know, I see my name pop up."

Then the call from Atlanta came.

"They basically said that we&#39;ve drafted you. Congratulations and we&#39;ll be in touch with you later to discuss things further.

"This is just awesome. To see my name on MLB.com and knowing that ever since I can remember I wanted to be a pro ball player is just great. I never expected it to happen this early, but this is the best right now."

As for Rasch&#39;s plans to now attend JALC he says that decision won&#39;t be made until closer to August.

Rasch added that he&#39;ll take part in a couple of workouts with the Braves&#39; scouts this summer and then decide if Spring Training will be his next stop.