Throughout a player’s rise to the major leagues, one is most likely going to experience changes in scenery. With the countless number of teams, divisions, and professional levels available to young athletes, staying in one place for very long is tough. However, Eric Semmelhack has managed to remain home once again, when this past Tuesday his hometown Milwaukee Brewers selected him in the 12th round of the MLB draft.
Semmelhack grew up in Oak Creek, located south of Milwaukee, where he played for the Oak Creek Knights and earned a spot on the team at UW-Milwaukee where his game really began to grow. This summer, Semmelhack was selected to play for the Northwoods League’s newest team, the Lakeshore Chinooks, located just north of Milwaukee, where he will test his ability against wooden bats held by the best collegiate hitters. His experience with the Chinooks is a final step toward preparing himself for what comes next as a Milwaukee Brewers.
The right-handed ace posted impressive numbers this past season (2011) for the UWM Panthers as he appeared in 14 games, 2 complete games, with a 3.44 ERA, 63 K’s, 28 BBs, and 33 earned runs. On Wednesday night, Semmelhack appeared in his first game for the Lakeshore Chinooks, only one day removed from being selected by his hometown Brewers. He pitched 5 strong innings; allowing 3 hits, 6 BB’s, 4 K’s, and 2 earned runs in front of Brewers legend, Robin Yount.
What comes next for Semmelhack is up to him and the Brewers front office. One thing is for sure, Semmelhack will remain tied to the city of Milwaukee for years to come.
