Trent Tingelstad, like many prospective Major League Baseball draft picks, spent most of his Wednesday morning staring at his smartphone watching names next to team logos pop up on his screen.
Anticipation transformed into excitement really quickly when Seattle Mariners area scout Bob Keller called the Marysville Pilchuck alum during the break following the completion of the 20th round and told him that his hometown team was going to select him in the upcoming rounds.
“I didn’t really know it was really going to happen, to be honest,” Tingelstad said. “He phoned me and said (the Mariners) front office was interested in taking me soon because they have some holes and a few minutes later my name popped up.
“I grew up in the backyard pretending I was a Seattle Mariner and everything. It’s a dream come true, not only that I got drafted, but having a chance to play in the Mariners organization is just a bonus.”
Tingelstad and Cascade alum Austin Pinorini were both selected in the 22nd round of the draft on Wednesday. Tingelstad went 666th overall to the Mariners and Pinorini was selected 670th overall by the Indians.
Tingelstad played two seasons at Everett Community College before transferring to Louisiana-Monroe for the 2019 season, where he hit .353 with 19 doubles, four triples, seven home runs and 46 RBI. Tingelstad was a Washington all-state selection in 2016 at Marysville Pilchuck.
“It’s about the coolest thing ever,” former Marysville Pilchuck baseball coach Kurt Koshelnik said. “I’m just really excited for his opportunity.”
The infielder is just a junior and holds another year of college eligibility, but says he’s planning on signing with the Mariners.
“You never know what can happen in a year, good and bad,” Tingelstad said. “I would have a hard time missing out on the opportunity.”
Pinorini, a senior catcher for Gonzaga who played two seasons at Bellevue College before transferring, hit .270/.367/.379 with a homer and 34 RBI this season. Pinorini was a two-time Herald all-area selection at Cascade.
“Honestly, it was such a big weight lifted off my shoulders,” Pinorini said. “You just kind of think back to all the work you’ve put into the game finally paying off. It’s a pretty cool feeling and I’m excited to get things going. … It’s kind of a lot to take in, but something I’m definitely happy about.”
There’s a strong possibility Tingelstad ends up playing for his hometown minor-league team, the Everett AquaSox, in his first professional season if he signs with the Mariners. College players are more likely to begin their season in Class-A short-season affiliate ball than high school draft picks.
Tingelstad said he played multiple high school games at Funko Field at Everett Memorial Stadium and was a sophomore at Everett CC when the turf was first installed. The prospective reunion to that diamond, where local friends and family could see him play again, makes the moment even sweeter.
“I’ve been playing there for awhile now,” Tingelstad said. “If I eventually get to play there, it would just be crazy to play for the AquaSox.
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