Local players fulfill professional dreams

Justin Cohen always dreamed of hearing his name called during the Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft. 

It was a goal the Riverview High catcher had been working toward ever since he first started playing baseball when he was 7. 

So, when it came time for this year’s draft, the 2015 Riverview graduate, made sure he had a front row seat for the live TV broadcast. 

But a day and a half into the draft, Cohen needed a break. He decided to go for a ride with his mom, and that’s when Cohen learned the Miami Marlins had selected him in the sixth round with the 176th overall pick. 

“I was really excited when my family told me that I was selected,” Cohen says. “I couldn’t believe it. I’ve worked countless hours to achieve my goal, and I’m excited that it finally (happened).” 

Cohen didn’t know the Marlins had their sights set on him, but he is looking forward to staying in Florida and being able to play in front of his family and friends. Cohen, who was committed to Florida State, officially signed with the Marlins June 15 for a reported $540,000, significantly above his pick value of $274,000. 

“Choosing between playing professional baseball or college is probably the most difficult decision I’ve ever had to make,” Cohen says. “Professional baseball is a professional level, and college baseball is the lifestyle you want to be in. A lot of people would (love) to be in my shoes. I was committed to a very good school and had the opportunity to be drafted.” 

During his senior season, Cohen helped lead the Rams to their first regional victory in 15 years, advancing all the way to the Class 8A-Region 2 championship. The right-handed hitter finished the season batting .375 with nine doubles, three home runs, 15 RBIs and 19 runs scored. 

“I was lucky that I had the opportunity to play for a coach that did play at the minor league level,” Cohen says. “(Coach Chuck Antczak) showed me the small stuff that I would need to be successful. I spoke with him after the draft, and he was obviously very happy for me. He felt like it was really well deserved.” 

Cody Brickhouse, third baseman and pitcher, Sarasota High 

Cody Brickhouse’s view of the diamond is changing entirely. 

Growing up, the Sarasota High pitcher and corner infielder dreamed of playing professional baseball. He had aspirations of standing atop the mound, fanning opponents with swift fastballs, wicked changeups and sinking sliders. 

He never expected to be redirecting his focus behind home plate. But that’s exactly what Brickhouse has been preparing to do since he was drafted by the San Francisco Giants in the 15th round of the 2015 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft June 10. 

Brickhouse, who pitched in both games of the Class 7A Final Four this season, is now listed as a catcher — a position the 2015 Sarasota graduate has never played before. 

“Obviously, being a baseball player, you’re willing to move around,” Brickhouse says. “They liked my body type and arm strength, so we’ll see what happens. I’m just excited to go.” 

During his senior season, Brickhouse went 4-2 on the mound with a .168 ERA and 30 strikeouts in 33 1/3 innings. The right-handed hitter also batted .391 with seven doubles, a home run, 12 RBIs and 10 runs scored. 

Brickhouse, who was committed to Chipola College, was the 83rd Sarasota player to have been drafted in the school’s history. Twelve, including Brickhouse, are still playing. 

Brickhouse had an idea the Giants would draft him, but after two days of waiting, he couldn’t help but feel slightly unsettled. Early on the third day of the draft, Brickhouse received a call from the Giants, who said they were interested in drafting the Sailor. 

“My whole life changed in one night,” Brickhouse says. “Everything is changing, but it’s going to be a good experience.” 

Brickhouse opted to sign with the Giants, who have won three World Series championships in the past five years. Brickhouse, who has never been to the west coast, boarded a plane for California June 14. 

“The money was there to set me up for my young life and the opportunity to play professional baseball is a dream come true,” Brickhouse says. “The organization is great, and I’m really excited to play for them, working hard and working my way up the system.” 

Desmond Lindsay, first baseman, The Out-of-Door Academy

The Out-of-Door Academy senior corner infielder Desmond Lindsay was selected by the New York Mets with the 53rd pick in Major League Baseball’s First Year Player Draft.

Lindsay, the lone area player selected on the first day of the draft, played in just seven games this season as a result of a hamstring injury, but he was still named one of the top 10 high school corner infielders in this year’s draft, according to MaxPreps. 

Last summer, Lindsay joined the EvoShield Canes where he helped lead the Canes to a 12-0 record in the 17U Perfect Game WWBA National Championship. He was named the tournament’s MVP after going 12-for-31 (.387) with three home runs, a triple, two doubles, 10 RBIs and nine runs scored. Lindsay went on to help the Canes finish second at the 17U Perfect Game World Series where he was once again named to the All-Tournament Team. 

The right-hander is committed to attend the University of North Carolina and is still deciding whether or not he will sign with the Mets or play for the Tar Heels. 

Contact Jen Blanco at [email protected].