MILLBURY — It’s safe to say a dream became a reality for Jayce Vancena Saturday afternoon.
Lake High School’s star right-handed pitcher was drafted by the Texas Rangers in the 26th round of MLB’s
First-Year Player Draft. He was the 786th overall selection.
“Finally, the stress has been taken out of the Vancena household,” Vancena said in a telephone interview
Saturday night.
“The whole week upcoming to the last few days, we just didn’t know what was going to happen. It was a
waiting game seeing which team would like me and which team would make the first strike and take the
chance and draft me.”
Vancena, who has signed a letter of intent to play at the University of Michigan, was 8-1 with a 0.79 ERA
with the Flyers this season. He struck out 106 batters in 62 innings.
“It would have to be a certain number,” Vancena said in regards to a signing bonus in deciding whether or
not to forgo college. “Right now, I’m excited to go to the University of Michigan and if anything
happens with the Rangers, I’m all for it.”
Vancena said he plans to be in negotiations with the Rangers next week and after talking to them, he will
make a firm decision about attending Michigan.
The 6-foot-4, 220-pound Vancena is no stranger to the Rangers. He has been in contact with the
organization numerous times, including building a relationship with the team’s front office.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to meet with their general manager (Jon Daniels) and their assistants, and
built a relationship with area scouts,” Vancena said. “It’s very comforting to know that going into
this.”
“No matter what, it would be a great feeling,” Vancena said when asked what it would be like to be
drafted by any team but the Rangers. “It makes it a little better, but still just being in this position
and getting drafted is amazing.”