Alcorn alumnus Earl Burl III gets selected in the MLB Draft
When Alcorn State University alumnus and New Orleans, La. native Earl Burl III was 4-years-old, his father introduced him to the game of baseball. After days of playing catch with his old man and displaying his skills during backyard games with his childhood friends, his affinity for America’s past time grew, causing him to aspire to become a professional baseball player one day. On June 9, that dream of playing in the big league became a reality.
“It honestly feels like a dream come true,” said Burl. “A huge weight has been lifted off of my shoulders. I feel as if now the real fun begins.”
Major League Baseball team the Toronto Blue Jays selected Burl with the 902nd pick of the 30th round of the 2015 MLB Draft Tuesday, June 9. The selection came a month after he earned a degree in business administration from Alcorn. Upon getting the life changing call from one of the team’s scouts, Burl and his family were overcome with excitement.
“As soon as I received that phone call, my name popped up on the draft list and my mother, grandmother, and girlfriend {Allison Beverly, Captain of the Golden Girls} all began screaming at once. My mother, who was crying, immediately hugged me tightly. It was a very emotional moment for us, but even more exciting.”
Burl, who will play outfielder, put in the hours and hard work that it took to reach his dream. He said his former coach at Alcorn, Barret Rey, described him as being committed to perfecting his craft.
“I spent countless hours working out, hitting, running, and whatever else it took to improve my baseball skills. I asked God a long time ago if I put all the necessary work and dedication in if he would meet me half way, and he did. So I’m going to stick to that recipe since it has gotten me this far.”
