Sean McLain warms up for Arizona State last season. (FIle photo courtesy Sun Devil Athletics).
Beckman High School and Arizona State University baseball followers had plenty to be excited about when ASU’s Sean McLain was selected in the fifth round by the Los Angeles Dodgers as the 165th player picked in the Major League draft Monday.
The 5-11, 170-pound infielder batted .333 with 34 RBI this past season for the Sun Devils. He also had 57 runs scored, 13 doubles, three triples and three home runs in his second season with ASU.
McLain, a redshirt sophomore, was one of six ASU players drafted.
In 2021, McLain played for the USA Collegiate Baseball Team.
Before playing for ASU, McLain was a standout for Beckman, where he graduated from in 2019.
“Obviously, everyone here at Beckman is thrilled for Sean and the whole McLain family,” said Beckman Coach Kevin Lavalle on Tuesday. “I think we sometimes forget that these kids that are getting drafted are fulfilling a lifetime dream, and when it happens it’s really difficult to fathom all the sacrifices that the people connected to them have made. The McLain’s are just a great family that support their kids and I think it’s obvious that those three boys know how much they are loved.
“As far as Sean goes, I saw him on Saturday hitting in the cages at Beckman with his brother Nick and we talked a little bit about the draft and everything that is happening. I guess the bottom line is that he’s excited for any opportunity to keep playing.”
Lavalle said he shared his views on McLain with scouts.
“He’s such a fierce competitor,” he said. “A few scouts that called me wanted to know what kind of teammate he is, how much has he grown as a person, what was he like in high school … simple stuff like that. I think we’ve all seen the movie Moneyball, and it’s really true that none of us know how this is all going to play out for anyone from the first pick overall, to the last guy drafted in the 20th round, but Sean has always had the unique ability to treat every pitch in a game like it is his last.
“We always tell our players that is the way to play, but Sean actually does it. You don’t need to motivate him, you don’t need to coddle him or yell at him, you just let him play.
“Besides the natural talent, I think that’s what the Dodgers know they drafted. He’s going to reach his true potential, there’s no doubt about that.”
McLain’s father, Mike, said Wednesday his son will “will have to make his decision soon,” on whether to sign or return to Arizona State.
One of McLain’s brothers, Matt McLain, signed with the Cincinnati Reds last summer after being drafted in the first round.
—Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com
More Stories
Two Servite High School athletes sign letters of intent during ceremony on campus
Veteran Orange County coach Wesley Shaw selected to lead Tustin baseball program
OC baseball players help SoCal Renegades capture Connie Mack World Series title