Locals Kish and Nunez selected on final day of MLB draft

Germantown Academy product William Keenan Kish had to have a friend hold his phone just so it wouldn't disturb the presentation he was giving for a senior project.

That's what happens when you reach the big time.

Kish, along with former Frankford High outfielder Wander Nunez, had their names called yesterday on the final day of the 2010 Major League Baseball draft.

For Kish, 18, a 6-3 righthander who throws in the mid-80s, the Yankees came calling in the 34th round (1,045th overall).

"Growing up, I have been a huge baseball fan, and as a ballplayer I've always idolized Derek Jeter, so this is a dream come true," said Kish. "I have followed the Yankees all my life; they are a pretty special organization in all of sports. I'm just grateful for the oppurtunity.

Nunez, 19, drafted by the Washington Nationals in the 35th round (1,076th), plays junior-college ball at Western Oklahoma State.

Frankford coach Juan Namnun said for his 5-11, 174-pound protege, it simply was a matter of time.

"He was a gifted a player as you'd ever see," Namnun said. "He's always had a major league arm and a major league bat."

Villanova pitcher Brian Streilein was selected by the Houston Astros in the 37th round (1,113 overall). Streilein became the second Wildcat drafted by the Astros (Ray Paparella, 23rd round, 1984).

- Kerith Gabriel