Baseball honors continue for Danbury's Hamann Selected by Cleveland Indians MLB Amateur Draft

By Pat Lukac, Editor

Peninsula News

Michael Hamann, a 2009 Danbury High School graduate, received a phone call just after 4 p.m. on Wednesday, June 10, day two of the Major League Baseball Amateur Draft, after being selected by the Cleveland Indians in the 24th round as the 725th pick. Hamann is the son of Sandy and Katie Hamann.

Hamann has a decision to make, sign a minor-league contact with the Tribe, or head off to the University of Toledo, where he has received a full scholarship for baseball waiting for him. If Hamann goes to Toledo, he will not be draft-eligible until after his junior season at the Division I Mid-American Conference school. If he signs a contract, he would immediately head out to Goodyear, Ariz., site of Cleveland's spring training complex and rookie developmental league.

Another option for Hamann is for the Indians scouting department to follow his progress during the summer for the Sandusky American League Post 83 team, then later in the summer bring Hamann

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to Cleveland and sit down with the team's scouts to discuss a contract offer.

Hamann said, "Getting the chance to be drafted is special, but to be drafted by the Indians is a bonus." Hamann has grown up a life-long Indians fan.

Hamann went 7-2 this past season for the Danbury Lakers, striking out 116 batters and walking eight, while allowing two earned runs in 60 innings for a 0.27 ERA. In his final varsity start, Hamann struck out 19 and pitched a seven-inning no-hitter. In his second year pitching for Post 83, was a key part of last summer's state championship team. Several players over the years have played for Post 83 and went on to be drafted. Hamann was the first Post 83 player to be drafted while still playing on the team.

Last week, Hamann said he would be meeting with a scout from the Indians, and most likely no decision would be made as to his future plans (signing a contact). He just wants to talk with them today and see what they have to say.

Danbury graduate Michael Hamann continues to receive recognition for his outstanding season (and career) as a Laker baseball player. In the last two weeks, Hamann has been:

* Named First-Team All-Ohio by the Ohio High School Baseball Coaches Association

* Named Most Valuable Player at the Mizuno All-Ohio All-Star Series which was played last weekend in Chilicothe

* Chosen to play for Team Ohio in the 33rd annual Sunbelt Classic Baseball Tournament in Norman, Okla., from June 22-27

* Selected in the Major League Baseball draft in the 24th round by the Cleveland Indians

"We are so proud of Michael for his accomplishments and for the way in which he represents our school and community. Michael is very deserving of all of these honors," commented Danbury High School head baseball coach Larry Indorf.

Currently, Hamann is playing for Sandusky American Legion Post 83 as they try to defend their state championship.