OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) -One of Omaha\u2019s own is headed to the pros.<\/p>\n
Cam Kozeal, a Millard South High School alum, was selected by the Miami Marlins in the third round of the MLB Draft this weekend. Kozeal was the 87th overall pick.<\/p>\n
In the days since hearing his name called, the 21-year-old said gratitude has been the prevailing emotion as he prepares to report to Miami this weekend. Kozeal told First Alert 6 he plans to carry his hometown with pride.<\/p>\n
\u201cJust kind of grew up around the events, grew up around the city, grew up around baseball in the city,\u201d Kozeal said. \u201cSo it\u2019s cool to represent the city in that way, be a baseball player from Omaha.\u201d<\/p>\n
Kozeal said he hopes his path can inspire the next wave of local athletes chasing the same dream.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s just kind of a testament to people around the area that you can do it,\u201d Kozeal said. \u201cAnd it\u2019s something that kids can look up to to work towards and fulfill their dreams of playing professional baseball and get to the big leagues. So anyone can do it. We\u2019re doing it right now.\u201d<\/p>\n
Baseball roots run deep for the Kozeal family<\/p>\n
Baseball has long been central to the Kozeal family story in Omaha.<\/p>\n
Kozeal\u2019s father, Matt, is a longtime groundskeeper at the College World Series. They even built a ballpark on their farm in Sargent, Nebraska using pieces of Rosenblatt Stadium.<\/p>\n
Kozeal\u2019s hometown pride has been on display before. During last year\u2019s College World Series, Kozeal shared a memorable hug with his dad before taking the field with Arkansas.<\/p>\n
Big season at Arkansas helped boost draft stock<\/p>\n
Kozeal put up eye-popping numbers for Arkansas, leading the Razorbacks in several offensive categories, including:<\/p>\n
Batting average:\u00a0.318Hits:\u00a078Doubles:\u00a018Triples:\u00a02Home runs:\u00a020RBI:\u00a071Runs:\u00a059Slugging percentage:\u00a0.653Total bases:\u00a0160Walks:\u00a036<\/p>\n
Now, with the Marlins organization next, Kozeal said he\u2019s ready to represent Omaha on the next stage.<\/p>\n
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