Monday, July 13, 1998
Ennis decides to brave professional baseball
RECRUIT: Highly coveted prospect turns down scholarship at UCLA
to make his mark in big leagues
By Evan Lovett
Daily Bruin Staff
The decision of what to do after graduating high school is one
of the most important choices a person will ever make.
Some decide to attend a junior college, some enter a university
and some dive straight into a career.
John Ennis chose the latter.
Ennis, an All-American pitcher for Monroe High in North Hills,
was offered a scholarship to play baseball for UCLA under Coach
Gary Adams. Ennis signed a letter of intent with the Bruins in the
November signing period and was ready to attend UCLA.
"(The day I signed my letter of intent) was one of the happiest
days of my life," said Ennis. "I always wanted to be a Bruin, and
play at such a great program."
As an overpowering 6’5" right-hander with a fastball
consistently clocked in the 90-mph range, Ennis was a coveted
prospect by colleges and professional baseball scouts alike. With
consistent pitching a rarity in major league organizations, Ennis
knew that there was a chance that he would sign with a pro team if
they offered him enough money after the June first-year player
draft.
"I wanted to go to college, but my dream is to play professional
baseball, and I wanted to start my career as soon as possible,"
explained Ennis.
The decision of whether to play professionally or collegiately
was complicated by the fact that Ennis is a scholar-athlete in the
truest sense. He graduated from Monroe High School in North Hills
with a 3.9 cumulative grade point average and achieved a score of
1100 on the SAT.
Ironically, it may have been his intelligence that hurt his
draft status when the June draft came around.
"Teams were scared to draft John. They thought he wanted to go
to college and would be unsignable if they selected him," said
Stewart Lovett, Ennis’ agent.
The Atlanta Braves did decide to take the chance on Ennis, but
not until the fourteenth round came up. Ennis was disappointed
because All-American pitchers with his ability usually do not
remain undrafted that long.
"I knew that I was at least a third-round prospect … I think
that word got out that I wanted to go to college, and teams were
scared to waste a pick on me … I’m just glad that it worked out
for the best," said Ennis.
After the draft, the Braves came to Ennis’ house with offers to
sign with the club. The offers were initially lower than what Ennis
wanted, and it appeared that he would be heading for the Bruins.
The negotiations continued day and night, providing Ennis with some
of the most stressful decision-making that a high school graduate
must face.
His father Tom was his support system. "He was up all night,
every night. I could see that it was tearing him up. It’s a big
decision for an 18-year-old, but I was behind him no matter what,
and I trust that his decision was the right decision."
Ultimately, John decided to turn down Coach Adams and the Bruins
to sign with the Braves. The only terms that are certain is that
the Braves will pay for his college and that the signing bonus
Ennis received is somewhere in the range of a third to fourth-round
draft pick.
Ennis could finally breathe easy and move on to the next phase
of his life. "I was glad to get it over with and do what I wanted
to do. I love UCLA and will attend in the offseason. I cannot thank
Gary Adams enough for the opportunity that he provided me, but I’m
sure he understands that I had to do what was best for me."
Coach Adams did write a letter to the Ennis family wishing John
luck but was unable to be reached for comment.
As for John, he left for the Atlanta Braves rookie baseball camp
in Orlando, Fla., last week and made his professional debut Friday
versus the Mets rookie league club, pitching one scoreless
inning.
Life in Florida so far is a honeymoon for Ennis. "It’s great
being down here. I love baseball, and it’s what I always want to
do."
Photo courtesy of Peggy Ennis
A top recruit for UCLA, John Ennis ultimately decided to turn
pro.
Photo courtesy of Tom and Peggy Ennis
John Ennis was an All American pitcher for Monroe High
School.