Lewis drafted by, signs with Los Angeles Dodgers
Getting ready to participate in a summer ball game in western Massachusetts, Justin Lewis received a text message that would ultimately lead to a life-changing moment.
It came June 14 from a scout for the Los Angeles Dodgers, who informed the La Cañada High graduate that he had been taken in the 28th round (850th overall) of the Major League Baseball First-Year Draft.
While it began to sink in that he had been selected by his hometown team, Lewis, a 2014 La Cañada grad, began to reflect on the individuals responsible for helping the left-handed pitcher.
“I grew up going with my family to Dodger Stadium and it’s surreal to be drafted by them,” said Lewis, who recently finished his junior season at Cornell University. “I’m so grateful for that, but I’m also extremely grateful for the people who helped me take all of the proper steps to get to where I am now.”
Lewis, who earned All-Rio Hondo League and All-Area first-team accolades after helping the Spartans win the league championship in 2013, reported to the the Dodgers spring training facility in Glendale, Ariz. on Monday.
“I thought I had a realistic shot at being drafted,” said Lewis, who was born in Glendale, Calif. before living in Burbank and La Cañada. “I think as the season went along, it became more of a possibility.
“For it to be the Dodgers, it’s even better. I’m so thankful to the people who helped me along the way, including La Cañada coaches Dennis Ballard and Alex Valadez, Scott Marsh and Dan Pepicelli at Cornell and especially Dave “Hawk” Wilder. Hawk was my first travel ball coach and he taught me a lot about how to grip the ball and spin the ball, along with arm care.”
Since reporting to Arizona, Lewis has addressed paperwork and taken a physical examination, in addition to some light throwing.
Lewis said he’ll likely be assigned to one of the Dodgers’ lower-level teams within the next week.
“Whatever they need from me,” Lewis said. “I’m ready to absorb as much information as possible and keep working.”
This spring at Cornell, Lewis went 3-2 with a 5.32 earned-run average. He struck out 45 and walked 14 in 45 2/3 innings. In nine appearances, Wilson allowed 49 hits and 32 runs (27 earned).
Twitter: @TCNCharlesRich
