All the nervous energy that built up in Sam Dexter over the last few days was finally released when he saw his name come across the computer screen on Saturday afternoon.
That’s how Dexter, a Messalonskee High School graduate, learned he had been drafted in the 23rd round, the 686th overall pick, by the Chicago White Sox in the Major League Baseball first-year player draft.
“I was just watching on the computer,” Dexter, who recently completed his collegiate playing career at the University of Southern Maine, said. “It was pretty cool to see, man. This is a moment and day I’ve always looked forward to.
“I’ve been anxious for a few days. When you’ve got something you’ve been looking forward to for so long, it’s hard to not be nervous.”
Dexter took a phone call from the White Sox on Friday night, and knew the team was interested in drafting him. Dexter thought if he was selected on Saturday, the final day of the three-day draft, it would come in the later rounds.
“The 23rd round was higher than I expected,” Dexter said. “A (White Sox) scout called last night. They don’t give you any guarantees, of course, but I knew they were interested.”
At USM, Dexter was a two-time Little East Conference Player of the Year and two-time D3baseball.com New England Region Player of the Year. After his junior season, Dexter was named national player of the year by d3baseball.com. He also was a two-time ABCA/Rawlings Division III first-team All-American. A shortstop, Dexter finished his college career with a .387 batting average, 81 doubles, nine triples, 19 home runs, 48 stolen bases and 157 RBIs. As a senior, Dexter hit .404 with five home runs, 44 RBIs, 23 doubles and three triples.
Dexter was alone when he got the news that he’d been selected by the White Sox. He called his parents, who were at his sister Lydia’s lacrosse playoff game. They came back, and the celebration began. Tom Dexter, Sam’s father, said his son has been very nervous for the last few days.
“Not knowing your future, having it in the hands of scouts and personnel, was just nerve-wracking,” Tom Dexter said. “We just jumped up and down and celebrated. We’re ready for his next adventure.”
Dexter quickly called Ed Flaherty, his coach at USM.
“I owe him a lot of credit. He molded me into the player I am,” Dexter said.
Dexter will soon go to Arizona to a minicamp with other White Sox draftees. From there, the club will decide if Dexter will begin his professional career in rookie ball or with a short-season Class A team. Dexter is eager to get started.
“You’ve got to start at the bottom,” Tom Dexter said. “That’s all we wanted, for him to get a chance.”
Travis Lazarczyk — 861-9242
tlazarczyk@centralmaine.com
Twitter: @TLazarczykMTM
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