MLB draftees Casario, Pearce to join Terps

College Park (Map, News) - A.J. Casario had a choice: Maryland or Los Angeles?

“It was like a brain cramp,” Casario said. “Do you go to the Major Leagues or do you stay and get an education at a Division I school?”

Casario was sitting in his New Jersey home at his kitchen table, eating lunch when his mother told him to check the computer. But before he had the chance his phone rang.

“It was a weird number,” Casario said. “I was kind of expecting to go late, but it was still surprising to be drafted.”

Recruited in May by the Terps, drafted in June by the Dodgers, Casario’s life had come to halt as he faced a life-altering decision. He chose to stay in the eastern time zone and attend Maryland.

“The Dodgers told me to attend a JUCO and they would sign me next year for more money,” he said. “But I visited those schools and something didn't feel right. Maryland just felt like the place.”

Casario said he would be going to College Park this Sunday to start working out with the Terps.

Local DeMatha prospect Nick Pearce faced some of the same choices when after being drafted on the second day by the Washington Nationals.

Sitting on his couch and following the draft with his friends, Pearce said he was surprised to see his name scroll across his computer screen.

Pearce consulted with his parents, who told him he could sign with the Nationals if he wanted, but they preferred he stay close to home.

“I'm not the kind of guy who needs to run away from my house,” he said. “Staying here and not going to a minor league team somewhere else had a lot to do with my choice.”

Pearce was recruited by South Carolina and Michigan, but the stay-near-home instincts also controlled his decision to play for the Terps.

“We're glad they're both coming here,” Maryland head coach Terry Rupp said.

DeMatha head coach Charlie Sullivan said his transition, though difficult, will be made with ease.

“Nick can stand on his own two feet,” Sullivan said. “He may not be there physically but emotionally he is ready for the adjustment.”

The Casario and Pearce File

» High School: Casario attended Overbrook High in New Jersey and Pearce attended DeMatha High.

» MLB Draft: The Dodgers took Casario in the 27th round and the Nationals selected Pearce in the 40th round.

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