Former Sarasota High stars head to pro baseball ranks

A decade ago, Conner Whittaker and Owen Ayers played travel baseball together. 

They had previously played youth baseball in the Sarasota Cal Ripken League at the same time, so they were already acquaintances, but through their team's travel ball experiences, the two became good friends, despite Ayers being 10 and Whittaker being 8. Years later, the two would again be on the same team, this time at Sarasota High. 

In 2018, the pair helped the Sailors make a miraculous postseason run after a 10-10 start to the season. That run took the Sailors to the Florida High School Athletic Association Class 8A state championship game, where Sarasota fell 8-4 to St. Thomas Aquinas High. 

The friends made their own paths at the college level. Ayers, a catcher, spent two seasons at the State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota, before transferring to Marshall University; Whittaker, a right-handed pitcher, went to Florida State University and never looked back. But an honor bestowed on both of them on July 16 united them once again. 

Ayers and Whittaker were selected in the 2024 MLB Draft. 

From Cal Ripken, to travel ball, to high school, to the pros. 

"It's cool to see how far we have come," Ayers said. 

Whittaker was taken in the 15th round by the Cleveland Guardians organization at pick No. 445 overall. Whittaker, a junior, has a 12-8 record, a 4.27 ERA and 146 strikeouts over 175 innings pitched with the Seminoles, working as both a starter and a reliever. That includes a 5-0 record as a starter in 2024. 

Whittaker also missed a month of the 2024 season with an arm injury, but returned to help the Seminoles' bullpen down the stretch of the regular season and into the College World Series. 

Courtesy image

Ayers was taken in the 19th round by the Chicago Cubs organization at No. 572 overall. Ayers, a senior, hit .288 with 12 home runs, 48 doubles and 49 RBIs during his two years with the Thundering Herd. Ayers' doubles mark is the second-most in program history, and he set a single-season program record with 25 of them in 2024. 

Both players referred to their selections as dream-come-true moments. 

"I remember going to (Tampa Bay) Rays games as a kid and seeing guys like James Shields and wanting to do that," Whittaker said. "Baseball is my life now. I have traveled so much. My family has supported me. It's all coming together now. It was worth it. I'm ready for it." 

Whittaker said seeing his name pop up as a draftee was "surreal," but also a sigh of relief, as it ended the waiting game. Whittaker said he and his family celebrated with a dinner at Yard House at University Town Center. Nothing crazy, he said, but a nice way to kick start the next chapter of his life. 

Courtesy image

Ayers similarly spent draft day with family and friends, then went to Evie's Tavern and Grill to celebrate. Unlike Whittaker, who is locked into pitching, Ayers could play several positions for the Cubs organization. It is common for teams to ask players to switch positions based on organizational need and things they see in a prospect's skillset. Ayers said the Cubs have not mentioned their defensive vision for him yet, but he is open to playing wherever they need him to play — though his personal preference is to remain behind the plate. Ayers said he has worked hard on his defense at Marshall, improving his pitch receiving and blocking among other skills, and feels like he's made real strides. 

Ayers' college coach echoed his analysis. 

"I am very excited for Owen as he gets to chase his baseball dream at the next level," Marshall Head Coach Greg Beals said in a release. "Owen earned this opportunity. He has worked extremely hard on his game behind the plate as a catcher."

Both Ayers and Whittaker said they will soon report to Arizona to complete team physicals, sign contracts and see whether their teams want them to play in the rookie-level Arizona Complex League right away. They will be two of three baseball players from Sarasota-Manatee area to turn pro this year; the other, former Braden River High star Ryan Waldschmidt, also played with Ayers and Whittaker in Cal Ripken ball. 

Whittaker and Ayers offered some advice to current-day youngsters who someday want to be where they are now. For pitchers, Whittaker said, they need to enjoy the process of getting better every day and every pitch. Only worry about the next pitch and getting the next out, Whittaker said. The more calm a player is, the better that player will perform. 

Ayers encouraged young players to work as hard as they can at all times. Ayers said he feels like he left some development on the table in high school, which would have allowed him to more quickly develop as a player. 

But more than anything else, they said, be thankful for the opportunities you get. 

"I have had a lot of support," Whittaker said. "Sarasota High meant a lot to me. Coach (Clyde) Metcalf put me on the map and helped me get better. I'm just grateful for everyone who has been there for me."