Musselman Drafted by Diamondbacks

Saint Louis University senior catcher Bill Musselman was sitting in front of the computer at his parents’ home in the Chicago area on Friday, waiting, waiting and waiting. When he finally saw what he was looking for, he didn’t know what to say.

Musselman was going to get the opportunity to continue playing baseball.

The 6-foot-2, 210-pound senior from Providence Catholic High School in Homer Glen, Ill., was selected by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 30th round, No. 913 overall, of Friday’s Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft.

“I was watching it,” he said. “I pretty much didn’t miss a single draft pick today. I was just watching the computer. When I saw my name popped up, I didn’t know what to say. I didn’t tell my parents. I just said, guys, look … the computer. I was really speechless.”

The draft started with the sixth round on Friday morning. Musselman had to wait a little while to see his name, but when he did he became the Billikens’ first draft pick since 2002.

Musselman isn’t in line for the financial windfall of a signing bonus like the early picks of the draft. Instead, the Illinois native will receive a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“Being in the 30th round and being a senior, there really is no negotiation,” he said. “I would’ve taken anything they would have given me. It was just about getting the opportunity to continue playing.”

Musselman hit .284 in 42 games as a senior. He had 13 doubles, two home runs, 20 RBIs and 19 runs scored. He led the Atlantic 10 Conference with 28 baserunners thrown out stealing, registered a .358 slugging percentage and made just four errors.

He hit .344 as a junior with 11 doubles, two homers and 27 RBIs as the Billikens won 32 games, captured the A-10 tournament championship and made the NCAA tournament for the first time in 40 years.

Musselman’s professional baseball career will begin soon.

“I am flying out to Tucson on Monday morning for a physical and to sign all the paperwork,” he said. “From there I’ll be assigned to Rookie ball or short-season A.”