PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL Drafted by Pirates, Harding's Byler considers community college career

By JOHN BASSETTI
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
HOWLAND -- Justin Byler is most likely going to college. The fact that the Warren Harding graduate was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday doesn't translate into instant Major Leagues.
"Being drafted was nice, but when it's the late rounds, there's really not enough money," Justin's father, David, said Wednesday.
Justin will most likely attend Gulf Coast Community College in Panama City, Fla., after being picked in the 33rd round at No. 982.
College route
Because the 6-1, 190-pounder was offered a full scholarship a few weeks ago by Gulf Coast coach Darren Mazeroski, the college route is more attractive.
"He liked what he saw and offered Justin a scholarship," Dave Byler said of Mazeroski, the son of former Pirate great Bill Mazeroski.
For now, the right-hander is playing in the Class B League with Livi Steel.
Byler attended Howland High for 31/2 years, then transferred to Harding.
A lot of circumstances precipitated the switch, Dave Byler said of his catcher/pitcher/infielder son's school-hopping.
The father explained that Justin worked out for several major league teams in Columbus prior to another tryout at PNC Park for the Pirates in Pittsburgh.
Justin was scrutinized during at least one Harding game, Dave Byler said. Based on the recommendation of scout Duane Gustavson, the PNC visit followed.
"They liked his arm strength," Dave Byler said of Gustavson's assessment during one of Justin's high school games. "He was catching, but he'll usually pitch the sixth or seventh innings. That's when his fastball was clocked at 93 mph. I guess that opened their eyes and they wanted to see more. Everybody wants pitching."
The trip to Columbus with Livi coach Jim Devine was a pre-draft workout for representatives of the Giants, Rockies and Yankees organizations.
Tests
Although his future may be as a pitcher, Byler's Pittsburgh tryout entailed batting practice, a 60-yard dash (6.9 seconds) and a timed throw from home plate to second base.
"They were well-above average in all of those for a catcher," Dave Byler said of his son's evaluation, which included using a wooden bat.
"There's not as much pop with a wooden bat," he said in comparison to aluminum prevalent in amateur ball.
Justin led Harding with a .470 average, 39 hits and 36 RBIs.
Dave and Julie Byler have two other sons.
Aaron was also a pitcher/catcher at Howland High. The 20-year-old is majoring in athletic training and physical therapy at Toledo. He's playing in the Warren AA League.
Zachary, 15, is entering his sophomore year at Howland.
Walker 885th
Also drafted was Georgia Tech's Aaron Walker, a former All-Ohioian from East Palestine High.
Walker was drafted by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in the 30th round. The senior left-handed pitcher was the 885th pick overall. Walker is prepping for this weekend's NCAA Super Regional in Atlanta where the Yellow Jackets play against rival Georgia. The winner advances to the College World Series in Omaha.
Walker, the son of Doug and Sandy Walker of East Palestine, is a sports management major at Georgia Tech. He graduated from East Palestine in 2000.