MLB prospect Jarron Thompson of Waubonsie Valley prepares to pitch.

Since he knew it was a distinct possibility, Waubonsie Valley senior Jarron Thompson had some pretty clear goals. One way or another it would happen.

He was going to find a way to get paid to pitch.

“I always told my parents in middle school,” Thompson said. “I never mentioned college until I got my first offer. I wanted to play pro baseball, pitch in the majors.

“I completely forgot about college – that I have to go through this level.”

Initially, Thompson committed to Missouri. With an eye on a faster path to professional baseball, he then moved on to Seminole State, a junior college in Florida.

That would allow him to be eligible for the MLB draft after one season in college, up from three if he went the Division I route.

“I wanted more game time to go to college,” Thompson said. “It’s a great guarantee that I will start the first year. It’s a great opportunity for someone like me – more playing time, showing my skills and I’m looking to get drafted.

If he succeeds, the draft will come sooner, possibly in July.

“I would love to get drafted this summer,” Thompson said. “It all started when I knew there was a top league.”

Thompson kicked things off on Wednesday by pitching three scoreless innings in a 2-0 win over Machesney Park Harlem. He struck out five and walked two, hitting 92 mph with his fastball.

“I had a feeling I wasn’t going to be all there,” Thompson said. “I was a little nervous, amplified. At the start of the season, I hope to dominate every game.

That confidence and determination is something Waubonsie coach Bryan Acevedo was hoping to see.

While the physical attributes have always been there for Thompson, the growth off the mound has impressed his coach.

“He’s matured a bit,” Acevedo said. “His demeanor on the pitch changed for the better. In his second year he was almost scared. He had some electric stuff, but he couldn’t really control it.

“Last season he gave us the opportunity to compete and deepen the games. He took on more of a leadership role and started owning stuff.

Acevedo said that has grown even more this season.

Thompson realizes he’ll have eyes on him, including a St. Louis Cardinals scout who was on hand Wednesday, but he has the attitude of wanting the ball in big situations.

“I keep telling people that if he grows half as much as he did between second and first year, this year should be pretty damn special,” Acevedo said.

Thompson’s off-season work pointed in that direction. A dedicated schedule of weightlifting and baseball activities, with only Sundays off, got him to this point.

“I really just tried to be more mobile through my delivery,” Thompson said. “It’s one of the best things a pitcher can do. I honed my mechanics and also hit the weight room.

“I try to make noise. I would like to be drafted this summer. I just think about going out and competing every time and showing my best stuff.

Thompson said he’s spoken to eight MLB teams so far in the process. If he continues to produce, this number should increase.

“Teams are telling my adviser they’re very interested,” Thompson said. “I have an elite movement that will generate swings and misses. Everyone is intrigued by how loose and fidgety I am with my arm speed.

Acevedo also knows how unique this opportunity is as a coach.

“We’ve had some good ones before, but he’s special,” Acevedo said. “He has opportunities that not everyone else has. Embrace it and take advantage of it.

“It’s a great opportunity and he’s taking us for a ride with him.”

Paul Johnson is a freelance journalist for The Beacon-News.

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