Alex Ross, a talented and dedicated Bellevue College baseball player, was a participant of the Major League Baseball amateur draft last week. The Bulldogs are proud to announce that Ross, a BC graduate and catcher for the baseball team, has been drafted for the Seattle Mariners in the 36th round.
Like most dedicated baseball players, practice begins at a very early age with determination and motivation from someone they look up to. Ross started playing baseball when he was just five years old, when his father encouraged him to learn baseball.
Since his progression from little leagues and t-ball, he has been hooked on the sport and determined to make it big. Bellevue College athletics has helped Alex meet his career and athletic goals by providing him with the opportunity to grow as an individual in both the classroom and on the field.
“Bellevue College athletics gave me a great opportunity to not only get an education, but compete and play with a great team,” said Ross.
While interviewed, Ross spoke very highly of his teammates and his experience while at BC. “My favorite thing about BC would have to be my teammates. We had a great group of guys every year and it was great to be around all of them.”
Mark Yoshino, the head baseball coach at BC, believes that Ross deserves this opportunity because of his hard work, attitude and perseverance. “He had to wear a bone stimulator around his vertebrae last year to heal his injured back and has recovered from back injuries twice since high school. He went two years without even playing due to injury, so the fact that he is still playing is a testament to his work ethic.”
Right now during the drafting process, negotiations are still being made with the Seattle Mariners on whether they are going to sign Ross, but fingers are crossed.
When asked about the opportunity to play with the Mariners, Ross said, “Getting the opportunity to play professional baseball is every baseball player’s dream and to get that opportunity from your hometown team is huge.” This is a huge step in Ross’s career, but he is also focused on furthering his education.
As a second option, Ross wants to continue his education pursuing a communications degree outside of Washington State.
Ross plans on finalizing his decision in the next few weeks while he is soaking up the sun and playing for the Hawaii Collegiate Baseball League.
In his advice to future and current Bellevue College baseball players, Ross says, “Go to class and work hard. You have to pass classes to play and it’s something that guys will take lightly. You have to work just as hard in the classroom as you do on the field if you want to play.”