Charlie Donovan: 'Cool feeling' being taken in MLB Draft

WESTMONT – The professional baseball scouts came out in droves to watch Charlie Donovan in person this season, and he knew he had a great chance to be taken in the MLB Draft.

Yet the recent Westmont graduate found out second-hand when he was picked in the 30th round by the Milwaukee Brewers on June 10.

"I wasn't even following the draft," Donovan said. "One of my friends was the first one to notify me, and then a few minutes later the Milwaukee Brewers area scout called me.

"It's cool. Even though it wasn't a high round it's a good feeling and I'm thankful to the Brewers. It's definitely something to feel good about, and it kind of represents a lot of the hard work I've put in."

It's not hard to see what pro teams like about Donovan.

A shortstop on varsity all four years of high school, he put up eye-popping numbers offensively whether batting in the leadoff spot (as he did this year) or batting further down the order (as he did in the No. 3 spot last season).

He hit for both average (.483 this season) and power (seven home runs), and showed a discerning batting eye, drawing 32 walks and striking out just 16 times this season.

Donovan was also a terror on the base paths with 44 stolen bases. With his combination of speed, power at the plate and strong arm, he had the potential to go in the first few rounds of the draft, but after signing with the University of Michigan in November (that after committing to the school as a freshman) he was firm on his commitment to the Wolverines.

"It was realistic that I would have the opportunity to go in the first three rounds, from what teams were telling me, but ultimately I think I have more maturing and life experiences to go through, and college will help me do that," Donovan said.

Before heading to Michigan, Donovan will have one more summer just like the past few. He'll play for the Prairie Gravel travel team, play catch with younger brother Joe Donovan in the front yard, hit off a tee in his garage and perfect his batting eye in batting cages.

"I'll play with the Gravel until August and then go," he said. "I think I have about three months of summer until then."