Medford Native Signs with Seattle Mariners

– Allison Goldsberry

Medford native Paul Covelle has been drafted by the Seattle Mariners. The Malden Catholic and Franklin Pierce graduate was picked up by the team on Saturday.

“It feels incredible to be drafted by the Seattle Mariners,” said the right-handed pitcher. “It has truly been a life long dream to be given a shot at the major league level. I cannot wait to get out on the field and so my thing.”

His former American Legion baseball coach Ryan Kozul had nothing but good things to say about Covelle.

“It’s refreshing to see someone who’s done everything the right way achieve this kind of success,” said Kozul. “I think it’s an example to all young players out there that you can achieve great things through hard work and determination.”

“He’s always been a tremendous teammate. He showed a lot of loyalty in helping us build the Legion program back up, and he’s someone the younger players looked up to,” Kozul continued. “He’s still the exact same person he was back then and has always stayed true to his roots. I think that says a lot about his character and his family.”

The talented Covelle was tossing pitches as a high schooler that topped ninety miles per hour.

“I have to say that the pitcher a lot of our guys don’t look forward to facing is Paul Covelle,” said Steve Freker, Covelle’s high school coach, in 2011 when he signed on with Frankline Pierce. “He really brings it. Every pitch.”

“He’s worked extremely hard to get to this point,” said Kozul. “As he built up his confidence during Legion and his last two years at MC, I did think there was a good chance he would eventually get drafted. He really came into his own over the last few years at Franklin Pierce.”

Covelle said he’s currently in Everett, Washington with a host family, but that could change as he might be moved to another affiliate team.

The former Lancer is looking forward to his post-college experience in the “Big Leagues.”

“My goals as a player are to have a long, healthy and successful career,” said Covelle. “A goal of any drafted player is to climb the minor league ladder and make it to the team’s major league ball club. I am excited to begin my journey.”

Covelle’s first game as a professional baseball player is Friday, June 17 against the Tri-City Dust Devils.