OTTAWA- Kellin Deglan (Langley,BC) was the first Canadian selected in the MLB Draft. The left handed hitting catcher was chosen 22nd overall in the first round by the Texas Rangers. This marks the fourth consecutive year that a Canadian has been chosen in the first round.
Deglan has spent two years with the Junior National Team most recently participating with Team Canada on its Dominican tour.
“We are extremely happy for Kellin, he has been an integral part of our team the past two seasons.” said Greg Hamilton (Ottawa, ON) the Director of Baseball Canada’s National Teams.
Deglan was surrounded by close family and friends on draft night and was ecstatic when he heard the news.
“I was very happy and relieved.” said an elated Deglan whose family had hooked up the computer to the family big screen TV to watch the event unfold.
Deglan knew that the Rangers were interested in him as he had a workout for the club back in December. Rangers scouts were also keeping close tabs on him while he was touring with the JNT, where Deglan said he really improved as a ballplayer.
“The JNT was huge for my development, they have the best coaches and made me a better ballplayer both on and off the field.”
Deglan was contacted by the Rangers shortly after being selected and before long the phone was handed to Rangers President and Hall of Fame pitcher Nolan Ryan.
“He told me congratulations and that he looked forward to meeting me down in Texas.”
