June 9, 2008

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. - Future incoming Bowling Green State University baseball student-athlete, Jonathon Berti, became the lone member of the Falcon baseball program to hear his name called in last week's 2008 Major League Baseball Draft in Florida when he was taken on day two with the 1,084th overall pick in the 36th round by the Oakland Athletics. Berti, a right-handed shortstop from Troy High School in Troy, Mich., signed a National Letter of Intent back in December to join the Falcon baseball family, along with left-handed pitcher Kacy Dwornik from Toledo St. John's.

With his selection on day two, Berti joins Falcon right-handed pitcher Frank Berry, as the only other player on head coach Danny Schmitz's squad to achieve drafted status. Berry was taken by the Minnesota Twins in the 43rd round of the 2006 MLB Draft, following his senior season at Virginia Beach, Va.'s First Colonial High School.

Berti, a 5-10 infielder, is currently in his senior year at Troy High School in Troy, Mich. As of May 21st, he was hitting .481 with six homers and 26 RBI from the leadoff spot. His team recently won a Regional Championship with a 16-5 win on Saturday over Hartland High School where he belted his ninth homer of the year. The Colts can earn a spot in the State Semifinals in Battle Creek, Mich. with a win Monday (June 9th) over Macomb Dakota.

In 2007, Berti was named to the All-Oakland Activities Association [OAA] Team, as well as the All-District and Academic All-District teams, as he has hit over .400 the past three seasons. He has been a four-year starter for head coach Frank Divito.

Berti has until August 15th to negotiate with the Athletics organization should he decide to pursue professional ball immediately.