William English OF / RHP / Detroit Western International, MI / 2018

TEMPE, Ariz. - “I get to play the game I love every single day.”

It is what William English is doing now and why he decided to forego college and go directly to professional baseball after being drafted by the Los Angeles Angels in the fifth round of June’s Major League Draft.

“It was a no-brainer for me,” noted the recent Western International High School graduate. “I just wanted to play baseball at the highest level and pursue my dream of playing in the major leagues one day.”

It is a dream highlighted so far on draft day.

“All my family came to the house,” English reflected. “My advisor kept calling me and calling me and calling me to say what teams are talking. I found out I was gonna be taken in the fifth round during the third round. I just had to wait it out. Then there was a lot of excitement and celebrating.”

A week after being selected with the 151st pick in the draft, the second-ranked player in Michigan’s 2018 class made it official by signing a pro contract.

“The Angels’ organization I truly believe is the best in the league at developing and working with guys,” English said.

But it also meant passing up a chance to play college baseball at Tennessee.

“I called coach (Tony) Vitello the next day and talked to him,” English said. “I really did want to play at Tennessee but this opportunity could be a once-in-a-lifetime and I couldn’t pass it up. I told him that. He wanted me to come there, but he was happy for me.”

Prior to signing, English and family were flown to Los Angeles.