[06/05/02]The biggest decision of Shea Douglas’ young life was made for him Tuesday at the amateur baseball draft.

The standout Southern Mississippi pitcher was passed over on the draft’s first day, almost assuring the senior-to-be will be back for his final season with the Golden Eagles.

Douglas said Monday he hoped to be chosen between the eighth and 12th rounds, but through the first 22 rounds, the lefty went undrafted.

“I thought I worked as hard as I ever have this past year,” Douglas said. “I had a career year, but I guess it wasn’t good enough.”

Former Vicksburg High star J.J. Brown also went undrafted on the first day, leaving him to make a decision on whether to take a football scholarship from Hinds Community College or sign with a pro team if he’s drafted in the later rounds today.

Brown, who hit .388 with five triples, four home runs and 27 stolen bases for VHS last season, said over the weekend he would consider attending Hinds if he slipped lower than about the 17th round, but was unavailable for comment. The draft concludes today.

With a new wife and infant daughter, Douglas said the best decision for him was to go back to school and try the draft again next year.

“We’ll have a really good team next year,” Douglas said. “I’ll do everything I can to help them out.”

As a junior, he solidified himself as the Eagles’ top pitcher with a 10-3 record and a 3.14 ERA. He was the first USM pitcher in a decade to record double-digit wins.

Next season, he will be the consensus top pitcher on the team and will be joined by the only other returning starter, Bob McCrory.

Still, being passed over hit hard.

“I had told them I wouldn’t sign past about the 12th round,” Douglas said. “I didn’t want to be too confident, but once the 10th and 11th rounds passed, I was floored.”

In 2001, he underwent surgery to remove bone chips from his throwing elbow, but said he didn’t think that would be a hindrance. After the surgery, his fastball remained at a consistent 87-88 MPH and his changeup became his best pitch.

The Golden Eagles reached the Conference USA Tournament this past season, but were eliminated quickly and did not make an NCAA Regional.

Now, he must concentrate on next season and ultimately the draft.

“Hopefully, we can come back next year and prove something,” Douglas said.