A.J. Pollock felt Monday he'd go in the first round of the MLB Draft. On Tuesday, it went almost exactly according to plan.
Pollack didn't have to wait very long to be drafted, going in the first round with the 17th pick to Arizona.
The Diamondbacks were one of four teams Pollock worked out for over the past two weeks.
Pollock hit .365 with 10 homers, 52 RBI and 21 stolen bases. It was the third straight year he led the Irish in hitting.
The 2009 All-American is tied for the highest draft pick in Notre Dame history along with Brad Lidge (1998, Houston) and Ken Plesha (1965, Chicago White Sox).
Pollock is the fourth Notre Dame player to be drafted in the first round or compensatory pick in the past 12 years. He's also the second Irish position player ever to be picked in the first round.
"I'm honored, humbled and more than anything, excited, to join a franchise like the Arizona Diamondbacks," Pollock said on the Notre Dame Web site. "It has always been a dream for me to play professional ball and it is becoming a reality. I'm overjoyed right now, also a little overwhelmed, but very happy. I am excited to take the next step and continue what I'm doing.
"There was no question that I would return to Notre Dame in the fall to finish school and now I might be able to play in South Bend for the Silver Hawks as well. I really can't imagine it working out any better."
