Prospects player takes big step on path to MLB
San Diego Padres use 14th round pick to take Edmonton native Erik Sabrowski
The Edmonton Prospects hold an autograph signing session every Sunday afternoon game during the Western Major Baseball League season as a way for the team to connect with young fans.
Erik Sabrowski didn’t play in this past Sunday ’s big win over the Okotoks Dawgs, but he was the last one off the field. He was soaking in the moment, because he knew it likely was his last time on the field as a member of his hometown team.
Sabrowski, 20, was selected Wednesday morning in the 14th round (411th overall) in the 2018 Major League Baseball draft by the San Diego Padres. The left-handed pitcher is now ready to chase his dream of playing in the major leagues.
“It’s tough to put into words. The feeling and the gratitude I’m feeling now is incredible. It wasn’t long ago that I was one of these kids in the stands watching (Edmonton) Trappers games, and that’s kind of where my big league dream started,” said Sabrowski.
“Edmonton’s been my home, and it’s been such a blessing to play and develop as a baseball player in my hometown. To learn from great coaches like Ray (Brown) and Orv (Franchuk) who have gone down that path to the major leagues. Their guidance has definitely helped me so much.”
Last season, Sabrowski had a big year both on the mound and in the batter’s box.
No matter where he played on the field, he found a way to dominate.
He hit .339 with three home
Guys who play this game want to take the next step, and for him that next step is to begin chasing that major league dream.
runs and 20 RBI in 35 games for the Prospects. He made five starts on the mound and recorded a 3-2 record with 50 strikeouts and a 2.75 ERA.
He became an even stronger performer in the playoffs, leading the Prospects to the WMBL final for a second straight year. Sabrowski was named a WMBL all-star.
He carried last season’s success into his college season. This year with the Cloud County Community College Thunderbirds, Sabrowski posted an impressive 7-2 record with a 3.14 ERA. He compiled 117 strikeouts in just 66 innings of work.
Sabrowski’s pitching has reached a new level. His velocity is up to 94 m.p.h. made a couple changes in the fall. Nothing mechanically, it was all just mindset,” said Sabrowski. “My arm was draining energy after pitching a lot of innings here and in school and I took a three-month break and I came back and my first bullpen I hit 90 m.p.h., and it’s just gone up since then.”
Sabrowski had other goals this year when he went back to college. One was to earn a Division 1 NCAA scholarship. He achieved that just one month into the season.
If he doesn’t sign with the Padres and begin is pro career, Sabrowski will play next season for the University of Louisiana-Monroe.
Either way, Sabrowski is in a winwin situation.
“I’m really lucky to be in the situation I’m in,” he said. “This has been my dream ever since I was a young kid. For a while, I thought it was just a long shot, but once the attention started to come I started to give myself some credit. They’re here because I’m doing something they like.
“Regardless of what happens, I have two amazing options in front of me. I can get drafted and sign and then I play pro ball, which is every kid’s dream. If I don’t, I’m going to have another amazing summer here with the Prospects and I will get a chance to go play for an amazing Division 1 school.”
Prospects manager Ray Brown has seen first-hand the work Sabrowski has put in the last two seasons with the Prospects and is proud to see him rewarded by being drafted.
“It doesn’t happen by magic. He’s worked extremely hard for this opportunity and he’s ready to take that next step,” said Brown. “Guys who play this game want to take the next step, and for him that next step is to begin chasing that major league dream.”
Having a player like Sabrowski drafted shows the Prospects are working hard to prepare players for the next level.
“That’s our job. We want to bring them here and help them get better, and help them move on,” Brown said.
“They’re getting an intelligent guy who knows how to pitch, and is one hell of a competitive player.”