'Coolest experience': Nebraska high school baseball stars talk becoming MLB draft picks (2024)

Millard West shortstop Tyson Lewis said Monday he plans to sign with Cincinnati after being selected in the second round of the MLB draft.

Lewis, who had signed to play collegiately at Arkansas, said the Reds met the financial number he was hoping to get. The approximate slot value for the 51st overall draft selection is $1.8 million.

"Hearing my name and getting drafted was one of the coolest experiences of my life," he said. "It was awesome but I'm glad it's over."

Lewis won't be the only Nebraska high school player to embark soon on a pro career.

Kale Fountain of Norris became the second in-state player selected in the three-day MLB draft. The 6-foot-5 shortstop was taken in the fifth round Monday as the 151st overall pick by San Diego.

The LSU commit said he'll also bypass his collegiate career and sign with the Padres.

"It's not easy but I said a number and they matched it," he said. "I think San Diego will be a great organization to join."

Fountain's selection has an approximate pick value of $444,200.

Lewis said he watched Sunday night's nationally televised draft with family at his aunt's house.

"I found out a few picks before it happened that it was going to be the Reds," he said. "I kind of kept that to myself."

Lewis was the recruiting target of several pro scouts during the spring. He led Class A in batting average with a .496 average and helped Millard West claim the Class A championship.

He later was named the Nebraska Gatorade player of the year.

The two-time All-Nebraska first-teamer led the state in runs scored with 53 and was tied for the lead in triples (7) and home runs (8).

Lewis said it was difficult informing Arkansas assistant coach Nate Thompson of his decision.

"That was really tough," he said. "But I just feel really fortunate that I'm ready to start my pro career with the Reds."

Lewis added he's still figuring out his immediate plan but expects to head to Cincinnati's training facility in Arizona in the next few days.

In the meantime, his family has some MLB gear to purchase.

"We're going to be sending away for a lot of Reds gear," he said. "I've never been a big Cincinnati fan but that changed Sunday night."

Lewis will be part of an organization that already has one of the most talented young shortstops in the game — Elly de la Cruz.

"The things he does on the baseball diamond are insane," he said. "To think about possibly playing on the same team with him someday is exciting."

Fountain is the first four-time All-Nebraska selection. He batted .474 as a senior this spring for the Class B champion Titans and already was on the LSU campus when he was selected Monday.

"I've been here the last few weeks taking summer school classes," he said. "But when I got drafted today, I went over and had a face-to-face with the coaches and they wished me the best."

The 6-foot-5 Fountain said his immediate plan is to get packed up and get back to Nebraska before moving on to the Padres' training facility.

"They've got a lot of great players and it's always a blast watching them on TV," he said. "I can't wait to be part of the organization."

Another player with a local high school tie was selected Monday. Former Bellevue West pitcher Jaxon Jelkin, a junior at the University of Houston, was selected in the ninth round (263rd overall) by the New York Mets.

Jelkin, who previously pitched for Nebraska, was selected in the 14th round by the Los Angeles Dodgers last year but stayed in school.

The final 10 rounds of the 20-round draft will be held Tuesday.