Austin selected in 45th round by Chicago Cubs

For a Coeur d’Alene senior, it was far from an ordinary spring day.

Devon Austin, a senior at Coeur d’Alene High, was selected by the Chicago Cubs in the 45th round of the Major League Baseball Draft on Wednesday.

“It’s really exciting,” Austin said. “I couldn’t believe it. I started smiling and was really confused. It’s a dream come true.”

Austin, who has a scholarship from New Mexico State, also received an offer from Yavapai Junior College to play baseball next year.

“My cousin was the first to call me and told me I’d been drafted,” Austin said. “I never thought this day was going to come. Maybe after college, but not so soon. Definitely not today.”

By being selected by the Cubs, should Austin decide to sign his contract, he will forfeit his eligibility in college. If he goes to New Mexico State, he will be ineligible for the draft until his junior season.

If Austin attended a junior college, he would be eligible for the draft after each year of school.

“I really haven’t decided what I will do yet,” Austin said. “Both want to offer me a scholarship, but I’ve just got to decide. I’m waiting to see what kind of contract they are going to offer me.”

Coeur d’Alene coach Nick Rook added with former Coeur d’Alene standout Shea Vucinich going to the Milwaukee Brewers on Tuesday, it has been a good week for Coeur d’Alene baseball.

“It’s great news for Devon,” Rook said. “With Shea being drafted on Tuesday, the last couple of days have been great for our program.”

Austin was also named the Gatorade Player of the Year for the state of Idaho last week after hitting .433 with four home runs and 48 runs batted in.

“I think it’s an outstanding honor for him and his family,” Rook said. “We as a coaching staff are so proud of him and his accomplishments. He’s accomplished a lot in his years at Coeur d’Alene. He’s got a lot of good things going for him right now.”

Austin was noticed by a Cubs scout during the state 5A baseball tournament in Boise.

“A scout from the team saw me play at state,” Austin said. “They invited me to come and workout at their spring training facility at Hohokam Park in Arizona.”

Whatever he decides, Rook will be there to support him.

“We’ve talked at length about his options,” Rook said. “There are some decisions that him and his family need to make. We’re all here to support him through that decision.”