Auburn's Tyler Beede Chooses College Over MLB
BOSTON (CBS) – Auburn's Tyler Beede would rather learn than earn.
In June, the right-handed pitcher was selected 21st overall by the Toronto Blue Jays, but turned down a $2.5 million signing bonus Monday night, electing to attend Vanderbilt in the fall.
"At some point you have to think what's best for you, what's best for your future," said the 18-year-old Beede.
Beede is the only first round selection not to sign with his team. The pick was risky by the Jays, as Beede had already signed a commitment letter to Vanderbilt.
WBZ-TV's Jim Smith reports
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"We understand baseball only goes a certain way, and not that long of a way in life. It could be five years down the road, it could be 15, but it's going to end at some point," said Beede, who now has aspirations to become the first member of his family with a college degree. "Education goes a long way; it goes your whole life. To have the education and degree to fall back on was very important for me and my decision.
The former Lawrence Academy star was looking for $3.5 million, and the Jays were unwilling to meet in the middle. Now he is setting his sights on a NCAA Championship with the Commodores.
As compensation, Toronto will receive an additional first round pick in the 2012 draft.
Read: Red Sox Sign 8 Draft Picks Before Deadline
The 6-4 Beede led Auburn to a 2009 State Championship before transferring to Lawrence Academy. There, Beede went 14-1 with a 0.80 ERA over two seasons, striking out 189 batters in 96.1 innings.
He is not eligible to re-enter the MLB draft until 2014.
Walter Beede, Tyler's father, was selected by the Chicago Cubs in the 13th round of the 1981 Draft.
