Yale Rosen, a 2011 graduate of Oak Harbor High School, was selected in the 11th round of the Major League Baseball draft by the San Diego Padres Saturday, June 7.

Rosen, a left-handed hitting junior outfielder for Washington State University,  hit .294 for the Cougars with 13 doubles, two triples and a team-leading five home runs this spring. His final hit in his final game was a home run.

He also finished with 28 RBI and a team-best 25 walks.

Rosen was the only Cougar to start all 54 games for Washington State this season.

“It is exciting to have this opportunity,” Rosen said. “I definitely didn’t take it for granted; it is great to see that all the work paid off.”

He said he, like many youngsters, dreamed of playing professional baseball growing up. In high school his goal was to play ball in college, then in college to reach the pros.

Rosen said he knew professional baseball was a realistic goal after his sophomore year in college and he began to “develop” as a player. That thought was reinforced when he had the opportunity to play last summer in the Cape Cod League, a prestigious curcuit for top collegiate players.

He said San Diego had shown interest in him before the draft and brought him to its home park, Petco Field, two weeks ago for a workout.

Rosen heads to the Padres’ spring training site in Arizona Tuesday, June 10, for a physical. If he passes, he will sign a contract and travel to Eugene, Ore., to play for San Diego’s short-season “A” affiliate. The Emeralds open the season Friday, June 13, in Spokane. Eugene plays in Everett Aug. 19-23.

The contract includes a stipulation that the Padres will pay for his final three semesters of college so he can finish his degree in economics.

Rosen’s Oak Harbor High School coach Tyson VanDam said, “I’m very happy for him. It’s great to see him mature from his sophomore year until now. I thought he had the ability and he proved he had the work ethic to make it happen.”