Beede turns down Blue Jays; headed to Vandy

Nashville, Tenn. – Pitcher Tyler Beede turned down an offer from the Toronto Blue Jays late last night and will attend Vanderbilt.

Beede was the only first round pick not to reach a deal and reportedly turned down $2.5 million to become a Commodore. The right-hander was regarded as one of the best high school pitchers in this year’s draft and will join pitchers Adam Ravenelle, Philip Pfeifer, Brian Miller, Jared Miller, Nevin Wilson and Drew Verhagen as part of the Dores’ freshman class this fall.

“Tyler is a very confident and convicted young man - he followed a path that is less taken by many and not easily explored,” Head Coach Tim Corbin said. “He is not the norm by any stretch of the imagination. He handled his own situation with the confidence and principle of a college graduate and then some. Tyler was part of our baseball camps as a 9th grader and I have known his dad personally for many years. His dad (Walter) signed professionally out of high school and can speak to the experience of not attending college and playing minor league baseball at a young age. The Beede family has been very vested in Vanderbilt Baseball for a long time. Tyler will be very impactful in our pitching situation, he's different - god willing, he will follow the path of many accomplished college pitchers who have gotten their education coupled with an SEC apprenticeship. We are extremely excited for Tyler, Cheryl and Walter.”

Johnny Norwood turned down a reported $800,000 as a 12th round pick of the Blue Jays to attend Vanderbilt. Norwood joins position players Connor Castellano, Vicente Conde, Will Cooper and Zander Weil in the class.

“Johnny Norwood is a very unique person and student-athlete,” Corbin said. “He comes to us from the same school that produced Nick Christiani. His athletic skills are well above average and he will have a chance to find his way on the field early in his career. His mother (Paula) was a rock through this entire process - this was not easy for she and Johnny to withstand the opportunity of professional baseball and financial resources that were afforded to them at the deadline by the Blue Jays. Josh Holliday was extremely helpful and resourceful to Johnny and his mom through this entire progression. We really look forward to having them here - he is a perfect fit for Vanderbilt and our baseball program.”

“This has been a very long summer for these families and our program,” Corbin said. “This process is very stressful and agonizing for everyone involved - I don't wish it upon anyone. It tests your mettle as a person and leaves you to question whether you are making the proper decision. The celebration of draft day diminishes quickly once the negotiations began. But when it's all said and done, no amount of money can replace the college experience and the value of a Vanderbilt degree. Our staff feels very confident in providing this opportunity to these young men.”

Of the record 12 Commodores drafted 11 signed pro deals with Grayson Garvin (Tampa Bay), Jason Esposito (Baltimore) and Jack Armstrong (Houston) coming to terms last night. Will Clinard (Minnesota) was the lone player drafted that will return to the team.