By Dave Borges and Henry Chisholm
Masuk senior Thomas Milone, who was drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays in the third round of the MLB First-Year Player Draft, has decided to go pro and forego a scholarship to play baseball at UConn.
“It was definitely a tough decision,” he said. “(Playing professional baseball) is what I always wanted to do. I felt like it was the right decision for me.”
Milone said he might report to Port Charlotte, Fla. on Monday and begin his career with the Gulf Coast Rays, Tampa Bay’s Class-A short-season affiliate in the Gulf Coast League.
Milone should sign with the Rays this weekend for about $530,600, slot value. The 6-foot, 185-pound lefthanded hitter was the 97th overall pick in the draft. This past Monday he had a physical with the team and said he is excited to get out there and play. The GCL Rays opened their season Friday against the GCL Orioles.
“I’m just ready to start playing baseball again,” he said.
This season at Masuk, he won Gatorade Connecticut Player of the Year and batted .471 with 33 hits, 11 RBIs, 27 runs scored and four home runs in 23 games. He was walked a team-high 19 times. Milone also played football for the Panthers and scored 35 touchdowns as a wide receiver.