/s3.amazonaws.com/arc-wordpress-client-uploads/tbt/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/04224255/SchnellAP_345305099979.jpg "Nicholas Schnell (7) while playing for Team Indiana based out of Indianapolis, Indiana during the WWBA World Championship at the Roger Dean Complex on October 21, 2017 in Jupiter, Florida. Nicholas Schnell is a outfielder from Indianapolis, Indiana who attends Roncalli High School. (Mike Janes/Four Seam Images via AP)")
By Allana Barefield, Times Staff Writer
The Rays took a left-handed hitting high school star with the 32nd pick in the MLB draft Monday night. His name is Nick Schnell and he committed to attend the University of Louisville.
Of course, that could change. As Greg Auman reported Monday, financially "the Rays have a large draft pool and should be in position to sign him."
Here's what you need to know about Schnell:
He has an ‘open mind’
Schnell is 6 foot 2 and 180 pounds, from Roncalli High School in Indianapolis. The possibility of playing professionally may change his mind about Louisville. "There's a little bit of nerves but it's super-exciting," Schnell told the NBC affiliate in Indianapolis. "I'm coming in with an open mind, so I'm ready to go. I'm pretty excited."
His stock rose his senior year
He became one of the nation's top high school prospects while hitting .535 with 15 home runs and 36 RBIs this spring for Roncalli (25-6). During one stretch he hit seven home runs in 14 at bats. Scouts say his athletic build allows him to hit the ball to all fields. Schnell, 18, was named Gatorade Indiana baseball player of the year.
He works at his craft
He is dedicated to perfecting his craft but also having fun. Schnell understands what it takes to be the best.
He comes from an athletic family
Schnell is the youngest of Jay and Angie Schnell's three children. According to the Indianapolis Star, his brother Aaron played baseball at Belmont University and his sister played volleyball at Western Michigan.
His Twitter mentions were filled with support
Schnell dreamed of this moment since he was a kid, and when it came family, friends and Rays fans showered him with support on Twitter.
Contact Allana Barefield at abarefield@tampabay.com. Follow @allana_b18
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