Draft roundup: Enterprise native Brooks picked by Braves

After sitting out a season, former Enterprise standout Robert Brooks has been itching for another chance to play competitive baseball.

He will get it — in professional baseball.

Brooks, who played at Auburn University last year before losing his eligibility to academics, was selected in the 20th round by the Atlanta Braves Friday in the major league baseball draft.

“It is a big relief right now,” Brooks said Friday afternoon. “It is another opportunity to get out and play. I thank God for giving me the opportunity. I had to sit out this past year and that was really hard. I am filled with joy (to have another opportunity).”

Brooks, a second baseman, was officially listed on the major league’s draft Web site as a member of L.B. Wallace Community College in Andalusia.

However, he was unable to play there this year, though he did practice some. LBW head coach Steve Helms also helped Brooks line up contacts with major league teams.

Now drafted, the 6-foot, 180-pound Brooks is ready to move onward to the pro level.

“This is my best chance to make the major leagues — and that is my ultimate goal,” Brooks said. “I want to go ahead and start my career.

“Mentally I feel I am ready. I went through a lot in my year at Auburn and I feel I am ready. I feel I am physically capable and I feel as long as God is on my side, there is nothing I can’t do.”

Brooks had a standout athletic career at Enterprise High School, earning Dothan Eagle Super 12 honors in football and baseball three straight years.

Brooks has played little competitively since his final game at Auburn. He played a few games for Dothan Post 12 early last summer and has played two games this summer for the Circle City Blues, a Dothan-based team of college players that play local legion teams.

He has continually hit in batting cages and worked out with friends to stay sharp.

Brooks said being selected by the Braves wasn’t a surprise, but getting drafted in the 20th round despite not playing this past year was a little surprising.

However, he credited recent workouts with the Braves and past history with the organization for the pick.

“I had several workouts with them and I did well in all of them and I had past experience with them out of high school,” Brooks said. “They wanted to draft me high out of high school, but I had already decided to go to to college.

“They have some history with me. They had a lot of willingness to take a risk on me. It says a lot that the Braves felt I am worth it.”

Brooks worked out with the Braves as recently as this past Sunday and Monday in Kennesaw, Ga. He was placed on a team of other prospects in a three-game series against an East Cobb based team.

The Enterprise native had a hit in each of the three games — earning two singles and a double — and didn’t make an error on defense.

“I think that sparked an interest,” Brooks said.

Troy’s Brooks selected: Junior catcher Beau Brooks was picked in the 20th round by the Los Angeles Angels Friday. While he’s eager to begin his pro career, negotiations with the club Monday will play a big role.

“The big thing will be is it enough to pull me away from playing my senior season at Troy, which I think would be a lot of fun,” Brooks said.

If Brooks returns to Troy, the Trojans would welcome eight starters back.

“At the round he went in, I think we’re fairly safe,” head coach Bobby Pierce said. “It depends on who they sign and what they do. That slot money’s not going to get him what he wants, but if they go to 10th-9th round money if they can and will, he’ll go for that.”

Six Auburn players picked: Auburn baseball program pumped out six more draft picks on Friday, running its total to 34 straight years that Auburn has had at least one player drafted. Picked Friday were Mike Bianucci (Texas Rangers) and Evan Crawford (Toronto Blue Jays) in the eighth round, Matt Hall (Tampa Bay Rays) in the 10th round, Luke Greinke (New York Yankees) in the 12th round, Bryan Woodall (Arizona Diamondbacks) in the 21st round and Taylor Thompson (Chicago White Sox) in the 25th round.

Two more Tide players picked: After Alex Avila was picked in the fifth round by Detroit Thursday, pitcher Miers Quigley went in the 36th round (Minnesota Twins) and Josh Copeland in the 47th round (Los Angeles Angels) Friday.