Jamison Selected by Padres in Sixth Round

By Joe Naiman

Ramona’s Neil Jamison was drafted by the San Diego Padres during the 2005 amateur draft.

Jamison was taken in the sixth round June 7. He signed a contract with the Padres organization three days later, and after a mini-camp in Peoria, Ariz., Jamison left for Eugene, Ore., to begin his professional career with the Eugene Emeralds of the Northwest League.

“It all worked out well,” Jamison said.

In the 2004 amateur draft, Jamison was selected in the eighth round by the New York Mets, but he chose to return to Cal State University Long Beach for his senior year rather than sign with the Mets. Not only did he earn first-team All-American honors in 2005 with the Dirtbags — the school’s official nickname is the 49ers, but the baseball team’s unofficial nickname is the Dirtbags — and post 11 saves, but in 27 appearances and 29 2/3 innings, he allowed no earned runs. He allowed 16 hits and six walks while striking out 27 and limiting opponents to a .158 batting average.

“Personally, I couldn’t have asked for anything more,” Jamison said of his senior season.

He was, however, disappointed that the Dirtbags didn’t reach the College World Series in 2005, one of his goals for the season. “It was a big part of my going back,” he said.

His collegiate career concluded with 26 career saves in 104 appearances, a 13-8 won-loss record, and a 2.73 ERA in 135 1/3 innings. Opponents batted .236 against him during his collegiate career, and he struck out 126 batters while walking only 35.

“All in all, everything, in the end, worked out,” he said.

Jamison expected to be drafted between the fourth and seventh rounds, but being taken by his hometown team exceeded his expectations.

“It was a great surprise. I really hadn’t talked to the Padres all that much,” he said. “I was a little bit shocked.”

He was excited about being drafted by the Padres and on June 10 went to Petco Park to sign a contract.

“I didn't want to waste any time,” he said. “Get it done, get out there, and I’m ready to play ball.”