Tyler Townsend selectedin third round by Orioles

Tyler Townsend of Rehoboth Beach went over to Camden Yards in the fall of 2005, his senior year at Cape Henlopen High School, and jacked nine home runs out of the park. It was part of a high school scouting weekend.

Townsend would move on to become Gatorade Player of the Year in Delaware, then play three years for the Golden Panthers of Florida International University, where he hit 42 bombs out of college stadiums.

On Tuesday, June 9, Townsend was selected in the third round of the Major League Baseball draft with the 85th pick by the Baltimore Orioles, who had never forgotten Tyler’s “Boog Powell-Eddie Murray” performance as a 17-year-old four years ago.

“Baltimore is the team that showed the most interest,” Tyler said the day after being drafted. “They said they had picks at 54 and 85 and were going to use one on me. The Astros called and said they had pick 111, and if I was still there they would pick me.”

Townsend acquired agent Gavin Kahn last fall, is already in negotiations with the Orioles and has every intention of signing with the club.

“They have already told me that I would be sent to Aberdeen [Md.] for what is called ‘short season’ and then be moved to the Shorebirds [in Salisbury] by the end of the summer, which is low A ball,” said Townsend.

The slotted bonus signing money from last season for pick number 85 was $465,000.

“The commissioner of baseball has recommended that all clubs cut back signing monies by 10 percent from last year,” Townsend said. “But the number one guy is still getting $50 million.”

Drafted players, after bonus signings and minor league assignments, all make basically living allowance level money.

“The big money comes from signing a Major League contract,” Townsend said. “Right now it’s all just a dream.”

Tyler’s grandfather, Wally Townsend, who according to Tyler has followed his every pitch since Little League, called Tyler after the news and said, “I never thought you were that good, but best of luck.”

Tyler did remember his early days playing with the travel ball team - the Delaware Titans coached by his father, Pete, that included Sean Tappan, Billy Cunningham, Steve Peet, Ray Jackson, Chris Donges, Bryan Peden and Brett Wilkinson on its roster.

Tyler’s siblings include his brother, Scott, and sisters Brandi and Paige.

Russell and Kathy Cooper are Tyler’s uncle and aunt. His cousin, Colby, is a former softball pitching star from Little League through Cape Henlopen High school.

Townsend’s high school coach, Ben Evick, predicted Townsend would go to the third round and probably to Baltimore.

“Tyler can just flat out hit,” Evick said. “I fully expect him to make it to the big leagues.”