Atlanta Braves Honor Late-Scout With Draft Pick

In a Draft that was overshadowed by the Atlanta Braves’ 1st-round pick, the franchise made an emotional selection for their 10th pick as a tribute for the late Gene Kerns, who passed away last week.

This year the Atlanta Braves went with the more quality-over-quantity strategy compared to last year (even though the Braves 2016 picks are doing quite well). They started the draft at #5 and was able to nab Vanderbilt RHP Kyle Wright and then got Georgia-native Drew Waters at #41. It can be argued that the picks the Braves took after were due to the first 2 strong picks and their bonuses, therefore these weren’t the best players available. However, some have potential and in that group was a special pick in it’s own way.

For the Braves’ 10th pick -at #290 overall-, they took Jacob Belinda, a 22-year-old right-handed pitcher out of Lock Haven University (Pa.). What’s so significant about this guy you might ask? Well, according to Braves scout Brian Bridges, Belinda was a player that was scouted by the late Gene Kerns. Gene Kerns, who passed away after a battle with cancer, was a well-known scout who discovered Brandon Beachy and David Wright.

A little more about him

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According to a post on him, Belinda appeared in 12 games (11 starts) this season and had a 4.72 ERA with 78 strikeouts and 33 walks. On the school’s athletic site, he has a 6-2 record in those 12 appearances. Also, Belinda’s velocity is capable of up to 95 mph.

In an article by Lock Haven, they pointed out that he has the 2nd most strikeouts in the school’s history with a career total of 206. Belinda was also selected to the 2017 All-Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) First Team this season.

Mark Bowman quoted Bridges in his article on the special draft pick.

"“Just to make that selection in the 10th round meant the most to the people that are in that room who have come in contact with Gene,” Bridges said in reference to the scouts gathered in the Braves’ draft room. “He’s touched people all over the baseball community.”"

Bowman pointed out that this pick was fitting with Kerns who is known for finding underrated talent, aka “diamonds.”

"Kerns, who took great pride in finding diamonds in the rough like Brandon Beachy, the former Braves pitcher who was found while pitching as an undrafted free agent during a summer league in Virginia…During his scouting career that lasted nearly 50 years, he was credited with signing stars like the Mets’ David Wright. But he seemed to take pride in finding underdogs like Belinda, the right-hander he was determined to see, even as he was weakened before learning he had cancer in the middle of April."

More on Belinda

Back in February, Belinda was ranked by Baseball America as the #26th prospect in Div. 2 baseball.

Belinda is currently a Junior-becoming-a-Senior so there is that uncertainty that he could choose not to sign and return to finish his college career. However, as noted by Fred Owens, the Braves most likely contacted him beforehand to be sure.

Fun Fact

In a quote to an article by Mike Boytim of Altoona Mirror, Belinda stated that he has a relative that played for the Braves and he happened to hint that he wants to play for the team as well.

"“I’ve never been to Atlanta, but I’m pretty excited to go there,” Belinda said. “I love the organization. My uncle played for Atlanta at the end of his career, and I’m excited to pick up where he left off.”"

Editor’s note:  that uncle would be Stan Belinda, reliever for Pittsburgh, Kansas City, Boston, Cincinnati, Colorado, and… and the Braves for 11 innings in 2000.  He had 79 career saves from 1989-2000.

Stan Belinda was the pitcher on the mound for the Pirates at the end of the 9th inning of Game 7 of the October 1992 NLCS against the Braves… yes:  that was the “Sid Slid” game.

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If he does sign – or even if he doesn’t – the choice to pick him in honor of the late scout was a very classy decision by Brian Bridges and the team in the draft room.