Quick Poll

With Tuesday's blood drive for UWG graduate student Aimee Copeland as a backdrop, when was the last time you donated blood?

Recent Polls

Blogs

Angela McRae

Tea with friends

Deberah Williams

Everyday Finesse

Lorrie Lynch

Who's News

Published Friday, November 13, 2009 in Sports

Bedrosian signs with LSU while awaiting draft possibilities

By Chris Goltermann

The Newnan Times-Herald

One way or another, Cameron Rock Bedrosian's hard work has set himself up for a rock-solid future after East Coweta's senior right-handed pitcher signed a national letter-of-intent on Thursday to play baseball for LSU.

But choosing to sign with this year's defending national champions went much further for Bedrosian than being able to keep purple and gold in his daily wardrobe. It was an arduous process, but one worth the trip for the Indians' 6-foot, 195-pound No. 1 starter, who will enter his senior season looking to add to a school-record 269 career strikeouts.

As one of the nation's most highly-touted high-school senior players, the decision to accept a scholarship offer from head coach Paul Mainieri came after a visit to Baton Rouge and offers from fellow SEC schools Georgia and Auburn among others.

Between a tour of the new Alex Box Stadium to shadowing one of the Tigers' current pitchers through his daily routine, the son of Steve and Tammy Bedrosian who is better known as "Cam" knew it was where he wanted to play in college.

"As soon as I stepped onto the campus, it just blew me away," said Cam, whose middle name comes from the nickname 'Bedrock' that his father earned during his 14-year career as a major-league pitcher. "They have great fans there. I was really impressed with the coaches. They've got a real disciplined system and I was looking for something like that to be a big part of."

It may not be the only decision Cam expects to face in the near future. As a possible late first-round pick in the 2010 Major League Draft from some experts' opinions, that could mean a hefty signing bonus and more importantly, a bigger step toward following in his father's footsteps as a major-league pitcher.

He is one of BaseballAmerica's top high-school prospects this year and he pitched two innings this summer as one of 44 players selected to play in the Aflac All-American High School Classic. Major League scouts have already become familiar with the path leading to the Bedrosian home to take a peek at a fastball that consistently ranges in from 92-95 mph, one of four consistent pitches in his arsenal.

While he has "fingers crossed," the younger Bedrosian knows he has more work ahead.

"That's way down the road right now," he said. "I'm just trying to get stronger during the offseason. Right now I'm just going to take it one step at a time."

It certainly doesn't hurt when there's a Cy Young Award winner in your house either. Cam has played other positions during his youth baseball career, which now is split between the varsity squad at East Coweta and the Chili Dogs 17-under travel squad out of the Home Plate program in Peachtree City.

"Obviously it's been a long process of him picking a school," said the elder Bedrosian. "A lot of people were involved in his development. It takes a great support system and we're just happy to be the mom and dad."

As a coach and former pitcher, Steve Bedrosian's influence has been equally invaluable. Cam doesn't throw for three to four months to give his arm rest and he's learned the value of hard work off the mound toward improving strength and maintaining flexability. On the mound, outside of a few inches in height, the broad-shouldered righty has earned a reputation similar to his dad as an aggressive pitcher, willing to throw any pitch at any moment in the count.

"He's lived through it, so he knows better than anyone else does. He's the best coach in the world," said Cam. "But I've had a lot of great coaches and everyone has helped me just so much. Growing up in a baseball atmosphere like that, I've been doing it ever since I was little. I'm just blessed by God to have talent too."

The youngest of four brothers, following brothers Kyle and Carson through the East Coweta baseball program, familial ties go deeper than baseball. When he was just 2-year-old, Cam gave his brother Cody, who suffers from Leukemia, a life-saving bone marrow transplant shortly after the then 6-year-old took a turn for the worse with his treatment.

It's provided a much more humble background, despite the major-league ties, that even showed on Thursday, wanting to share the moment with not only his coaches but strength coach Ben Green. Green has been just as valuable during offseason workouts, which consist of weight training three days a week in addition to three days of pilates.

"That's just the type of person he is," said East Coweta head baseball coach Franklin Deloach.

Even with a potentially tough choice ahead, there's even more to smile about heading into the 2009 high school baseball season for the younger Bedrosian.

"It's starting to work out for me so it's fun right now," said Cam, "and I'm looking forward to what's coming up next."

Comment On This Story

Times-Herald.com does not necessarily agree with the comments posted below. Responsibility of comments rests solely with the writer. Comments posted in ALL CAPS will be deleted.

Submission of a comment does not guarantee publication. Comments will be posted by a moderator after being scanned for abusive language, relevance, etc. See our Comments FAQ for more details.