Two dreams came true for Cal State East Bay senior baseball player Myles Babitt on June 11. The outfielder graduated with a degree in communications and was drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 25th round of the 2016 Major Baseball League Draft.

Babitt’s notification of being drafted was surreal, arriving as he was was just about to step on the stage to receive his diploma.

“I was on stage about four people away from receiving my diploma when my phone rang,” said Babitt. “I answered and they said, ‘Hi Myles this is John Bratsch from the Arizona Diamondbacks we wanted to let you know that you have been selected in the 25th round of this year’s Major League Draft.’ I was so caught up in the moment of graduating that it seemed unbelievable.”

Babitt was a part of the Pioneers historical baseball season this year as they won a school-record 33 games, including the California Collegiate Athletic Association North Division Title, and also helped the Pioneers get their first ever appearance in the NCAA tournament. Babitt is also the first player in three years to be drafted from CSUEB.

“To be the first player drafted in three years is a phenomenal feeling,” Babitt said. “I hope it opens the door for someone to get drafted again next year.” The senior had a batting average of .308 this past season and also finished third on the team with a .410 on base percentage.

A lot of Babitt’s success can be attributed to his father Mack Babitt, who is currently a scout for the New York Mets and an analyst for the Oakland A’s on Comcast SportsNet Bay Area. He is also a former Major League player and Diamondbacks scout.

Babitt said he always wanted to be just like this father and play in the major leagues like he did. Growing up, he would watch video tapes of his dad when he played for the A’s and dreamed of one day replicating his father’s success. That dream came true for Babitt when he also drafted in the same round as his father, the 25th.

“It is an honor to have a son who wants to be like his dad,” said Mack Babitt. “All I can be is proud. He has so much resilience, he was not given the opportunity to play outfield early, but he kept working hard and it paid off.” However, it was his academic accomplishment of graduating from college that his father was most proud of, especially while competing at such a high-level of baseball.

While much attribution can be given to his father, Babitt was especially grateful for the East Bay baseball program that took him in and gave him the chance to showcase his abilities.

“Consistent hard work and dedication,” CSUEB head coach Bob Ralston said of Babitt. “He deserves this and if he keeps believing in himself and putting in the extra work, he can go far.”

Two days after graduation, he traveled to Hillsboro, Oregon for one-week mini camp where players get acquainted with the system and go over some fundamentals. After the minicamp, players were sent off to their teams and now he is in Arizona for short season rookie ball.

Babitt said he feels prepared to be a professional baseball player and will continue to learn and improve.

“It’s all a process,” Babitt said. “A daily grind that you must work hard for day in and day out. It takes patience and a tremendous amount of dedication and I am willing to dedicate myself.”

The league is tough and back up plans are always necessary, Babitt feels blessed to have a communications degree to fall back on if he fails in his professional baseball career. He will continue to try and stay within sports if his career in baseball does not work out and possibly work with Comcast Sports, just like his father.

“I can only control what I can control and that’s putting the work in and letting the rest take care of itself,” said Babitt.