When Ben Abram was passed over in the recent Major League Baseball draft, he quickly turned his attention elsewhere.

The 23-year-old Georgetown native had fours years of experience pitching at Oklahoma University before finishing up at Oklahoma State this season and had expectations of hearing his name called. 

“It was tough,” the 6-foot-8 right-hander said. “I thought I had a good enough year for it but I also knew there was a chance it wasn’t going to happen as well. Watching the last couple of rounds go by and not really getting any calls in free agency, it hurt.”

Enter the Welland Jackfish who reached out to Abram.

“I’ve also been preparing that at some time that part of the game is going to end and this is a good chance for me to come and play in front of my family,” Abram said. “My grandfather (Paul Zaturski) lives just down the road and I spent tons of time here growing up.

“It’s kind of fun. I get to see everybody and hang out and it’s a first-class deal we have going on here.”

Jackfish manager Brian Essery was thrilled to acquire a pitcher of Abram’s talent.

“It was a huge pickup for us, especially at this time of year,” Essery said. “Really big signing for us.”

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