During the past three years, Ball State University shortstop Dean Anna and closer Kyle Heyne have shared the same baseball diamond.
The two might be leaving the Cardinals' baseball program, but they'll still find themselves in the same ballpark playing in the San Diego Padres' farm system.
Anna and Heyne were drafted Friday during the second day of the 2008 Major League Baseball Draft, in the 26th and 32nd rounds respectively.
It's the first time two Ball State players have been selected in the same draft since 1999. That year, the Baltimore Orioles drafted Ball State's Larry Bigbie and Jonathan Kessick.
Heyne said he's excited to take the next step in his career with a teammate that he's already shared many moments with at his side.
"I've got a familiar face in the club," Heyne said. "Hopefully at some point we'll meet up."
Coach Greg Beals said that the two players were important pieces of the team this past season.
"They're obviously good baseball players, but more importantly, they're good specialty players," he said. "With Dean batting leadoff he got us started, and Heyne was somebody we could depend on as our closer."
Heyne returned to Ball State for his senior season after the Minnesota Twins drafted him in last year's draft. Heyne said when he looks back at his senior season with the Cardinals, he is happy he returned to Muncie instead of accepting the Twins' contract offer.
"I have no regrets," he said. "I was able to break some school records, which was good. I think it worked out for the best."
Heyne was the leader of the Cardinals bullpen this season with a 1.34 ERA and eight saves. Heyne recorded 32 saves over his career, making him the all-time saves leader in Ball State history. Heyne will also leave the program with a school-record 100 appearances as a closer.
"It's always nice to break records," he said. "It shows you've put in hard work."
Coach Greg Beals said he noticed Heyne's hard work throughout his career.
"Kyle was a huge part of our team the last three years," Beals said. "Kyle had a fabulous career over his four years with us. He deserves a chance to play at the next level."
This season was Anna's first with the Cardinals after he transferred from John A. Logan College in Carterville, Ill. The shortstop has a year of college eligibility remaining with Ball State.
"We knew he was going to be a special player before he came here," Beals said. "Coming from a junior college we knew he was talented. The next step in his progression as a player was to show he could do it at Division 1."
Anna has the option of signing with the Padres' organization or returning for his senior season with the Cardinals. Beals said he thinks Anna has made up his mind to turn pro.
"I have talked to Dean a few times, and he is prepared to sign with the organization and play professionally," Beals said.
Anna said he was excited to be drafted into the San Diego organization.
"I've heard from lots of people that it's a great system," he said.
He said he attributed some of his success to Ball State's coaching staff.
"There were times when I'd tend to relax," he said, "but they stayed on me all season."
Senior centerfielder Wayne Bond Jr. was not selected in the MLB draft last week, but Beals said this will hopefully not be the end of his career.
"It's a big disappointment," Beals said. "He deserves a chance to play at the next level. We'll be on the phone talking to professional scouts to see if we can find a situation where a team will be able to give him a shot."
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