Pat Krall felt very relieved and excited when he heard the Oakland Athletics drafted him on Wednesday afternoon in the 28th round (No. 831 overall) of the 2017 Major League Baseball Draft.
“I was with Chris Williams and Patrick Andrews and we had been watching it,” the Clemson pitcher told The Clemson Insider. “It has been a couple of long days and I finally saw my name pop up. Everyone starting texting me and it was kind of a relief.”
Krall, who was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 28th round (No. 856 overall pick) in the 2016 MLB Draft chose to return to Clemson to pitch his senior season and earn his Clemson University degree.
“I still think it was a great decision (coming back),” he said. “I’m glad I did that. Just getting this chance, it’s finally my shot to go ahead and try to make it. So I was just really excited.
“Even today I look back, I know that I wouldn’t have traded it back for anything. I think the Cardinals organization dealt with it really well. But I still think to this day it was the right decision.”
Krall is uncertain as to what his exact plan moving forward is, but said he will be in contact with the Athletics organization as he gets everything straightened out over the next few days.
“I’m going to talk to the (Athletics organization) later tonight and over the next couple of days and work everything out. I’m thinking for the rest of the summer I will either be sent to their Class A Short Season or something like that. Be there for a year or two and develop there.
“But long-term, this is my shot. I definitely want to put everything I have into it and try to make it. Just kind of play it year by year. I’m just going to go with it and live every day like it’s the last one and see where it takes me.”
Krall credits his coaches and parents for constantly teaching and supporting him throughout his entire life as a ballplayer.
“All of them I’ve ever had. Whether it be just a little league coach or the coaches here at Clemson, I think I’ve learned something from everyone,” he said. “And then my parents. Last year was a really tough decision. They have always been with me, supporting me and never putting pressure on me; just letting me do what I wanted to do. I just appreciate everyone who has ever been a part of it.”