Beyond the Box Score: An In-Depth Interview with Kim Austin, mother of Yankee Prospect Tyler Austin

Trevor Wolff:

When we last spoke, you said that Mariana Bichette’s experiences on draft day hit close to home for you.  Could you please tell us what you & your family were feeling throughout this process?  Also, what was the family’s (especially Tyler’s) reaction upon finding out he was selected by the Yankees?

Kim Austin:

The emotions Mariana expressed in her interview about the anticipation, anxiety and apprehension that she hoped her sons heart wasn't broken were all the same emotions we experienced.  We knew that Tyler was not going the first round, so we were able to sit back that evening and see who went where in the first round.  Day two, different story.  We were told to expect anywhere from 2nd through 10th round.  Like Mariana, I too kept a detailed calender of visits, letters, emails, workouts and tests, however, there were a few other teams who conducted more detailed evals (evaluations), so we had some idea of where the interest was from.
 

Rounds 2 through 10 came and went, my heart sank, and I was filled with such anxiety, I was physically sick.  Tyler eventually left the house.  It was just too much to see your child disappointed.  Finally during the 13th round the calls began from the teams we knew were deeply vested.  ”If we draft you next round are you going to sign?”  Of course the answer was yes.  Finally, last pick of the 13th round we heard the Yankees announce his name!  I called him and told him he was a Yankee.  We laughed, screamed and finally came the tears.  Tears of relief, tears of joy.

Trevor Wolff:

Tyler went in the 13^th round, why did he fall so far in the draft?  He has been dominant from the very beginning.  Did teams feel that they couldn’t sign him?

Kim Austin:

A lot of people don't know that Tyler battled cancer during the draft process.  We placed our son in the hands of God, and he persevered.  He had been given a second chance, and he was signable.  There was not even the chance of draft and follow for him.  He was ready to chase his dream.
The teams who were interested knew this and it gave them room to draft others who may not have been signable otherwise.  But what it boils down to is you may have some ideas of teams and rounds, but nothing is etched in stone.  Each organization has decision makers and you just never know until the names are called.

Trevor Wolff:

The state of Georgia always seems to produce a strong high school draft class every year.  Tyler was the 13^th Georgian high school player selected.  He has significantly outperformed every single player before him, including 8^th overall pick Delino Deshields Jr out of Woodward Academy.  Would you say he plays with a chip on his shoulder, as if thinking “I deserved to be picked higher so I will prove it”?

Kim Austin:

Tyler doesn't play that way.  He plays for the love of the game.  He just goes out there and does what he does best every single night.  He has always played with his heart as well as ability, he just plays 110% just like he has since he was 4.  Unfortunately draft day can be a crap shoot, nothing is official until your name is called, doesn't matter what round you go in as long as you get there.  And what a blessing and honor it is.

Trevor Wolff:

Did Tyler plan on beginning his baseball career or was he going to school if the right situation didn’t present itself? By that I mean the right team, the right money, etc…

Kim Austin:

After his battle with cancer we totally encouraged him to sign after the draft.  Chris and I knew as well as Tyler knew he had been given a second chance.  Do it.  Chase the dream.  With the MLB scholarship program, it was just the right move for him, life can be too short.  He can always go back to college later on.

Trevor Wolff:

Lastly, what kind of advice would you give to the families that are preparing for next month’s draft?

Kim Austin:

As far as advice is concerned, all I can say is HOLD ON!  Draft day is a roller-coaster ride.  It is a very emotional several days.  Remember that nothing is written in stone, anything can happen.  Weigh your options, do your homework, make your decision as a family.  Be honest and up front about your decisions.  Most of all, ENJOY it, its an awesome ride.  Best of luck to the young men and their families eligible for the 2012 MLB draft.