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 Steve Squires became the first WSU player selected in the MLB First-Year Player Draft. |
June 9, 2005
KALAMAZOO, Mich. - As a young boy watching his father play at Comiskey Park, Steve Squires always envisioned himself playing for the Chicago White Sox. Those dreams came true on Wednesday (June 8) as the Sox selected him in the 49th round (1462 overall pick), making him the first Wayne State University player drafted in the Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft.
His father, Mike Squires, played first base for the White Sox from 1975-1985 and won an American League Gold Glove in 1981. He also hit .260 in 779 career games and had a fielding percentage of .995. The Squires's story is one of many MLB families with ties to this year's draft.
"I didn't care when I got selected, I'm glad I just get a chance to go play. The White Sox are a great organization and I'm thrilled to be given the opportunity to play baseball," said Squires who will turn 22 on June 17.
Squires transferred to Wayne State following two years at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. In his two-year career at WSU, the right-handed reliever made 37 appearances with a 6-2 record and 3.00 ERA. His nine career saves ranks third in the Wayne State record book.
This past season Squires went 2-1 with four saves in 16 appearances on the mound. One of his most memorable outings was at Northwood on May 8th when he came out of the bullpen and sat down all six batters he faced to earn the win that help Wayne State secure the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference regular-season title.
In his first season with the Warriors, Squires made a school-record 21 appearances on the mound, all in relief and led the team with five saves. He also recorded a 4-1 record in 29.0 innings pitched.
"I am extremely happy for Steve. While in our program, he worked hard every day," stated WSU head coach Jay Alexander. "In fact I use to tease him that he was not working hard enough, just to push him even more. Steve definitely has the kind of commitment and work ethic a player needs to make it at the next level."
Squires will travel to Arizona next Thursday for a five-day spring training session, then will be assigned to either the Rookie League or Single A.