Luebke will try to relax on day of MLB draft

With today being possibly one of the biggest days in his life, Cory Luebke will be doing what he has normally done while in college.

Taking a test.

The Marion Local graduate and Ohio State junior pitcher has an exam this morning before spending the day relaxing and waiting for the call from a Major League Baseball team to tell him that he has been drafted.

The annual MLB amatuer draft begins this afternoon. While not the media spectacular like the NBA and NFL drafts, it's just as important as Luebke will look to rise in the draft after going in the 22nd round last year.

It's the third time around for Luebke to be waiting for the call. The first time came after high-school graduation, where Pittsburgh drafted him in the 18th round. Then came last year, when Luebke became eligible to be drafted before his junior year after turning 21.

"Just anxious," was Luebke's description of what today will be like. "Been through two already. It could be kind of a rough day if it doesn't go the way it's planned."

Luebke did all he could to raise his draft chances after going 9-1 with a 2.07 ERA this season for the Buckeyes. Before the Big Ten Tournament, Luebke earned the Big Ten Pitcher of the Year award, then helped the Buckeyes win the league tournament to earn a berth in the NCAA tournament. During the Big Ten tourney, Luebke earned the Most Outstanding Player of the Tournament award.

"I had a pretty good year," said Luebke, speaking Wednesday night from Columbus. "I think it's going to be my year. I feel confident and hope to go as high as I can."

The scouts and teams have been calling a lot the last few days.

"They've been calling me all year. The last day or two has been crazy, 20 phone calls from everybody," said Luebke. "(They're) making sure everything is all right and if this is the year I wanted to go. It's a little hectic, but you really don't know much until it happens."

In his past two drafts, Luebke had to decide whether to take the offer or either go to college or remain in college. Going in the 22nd round made going back for his junior year an easy decision.

And this year?

"I'm pretty set it's going to be my last year (at Ohio State)," said Luebke. "Obviously, I'll know more after tomorrow. Hopefully everything goes right tomorrow. I'm planning on pretty much signing."

Luebke and OSU teammates Matt Angle and Eric Fryer, both of whom are looking at possible high draft spots, will spend the day after class playing golf when not keeping tabs.

"We actually got a crew of guys and set some tee times," said Luebke. "Just try and get away from it. It can be a long afternoon watching the computer or TV waiting for your name to be called. We decided to go out and have a little fun and let it happen."