NU's Pekarek taken in draft's 8th round

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by curt mckeever

His pitching career once looking out of gas, Justin Pekarek was simply out of breath Monday afternoon.

"Ican't believe it. It's just special. My parents are running around calling everybody," Pekarek said of his being selected by Cleveland in the eighth round of the major league baseball draft.

Add another chapter to the 23-year-old former Husker's feel-good book.

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Nebraska starting pitcher Justin Pekarek (39) throws in the second inning against Texas during the Big 12 Conference championship tournament in Arlington, Texas, Wednesday, May 26, 2004. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

Nebraska starting pitcher Justin Pekarek (39) throws in the second inning against Texas during the Big 12 Conference championship tournament in Arlington, Texas, Wednesday, May 26, 2004. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

Five years ago, Pekarek came to Nebraska an unheralded left-handed walk-on from Staplehurst. After redshirting, he made two impressive early-season appearances in 2001 before suffering a left elbow injury that shelved him for nearly the rest of the year.

Only after the Huskers advanced to the College World Series was Pekarek put on the active roster, and when he was called on to protect a 3-2 lead in an elimination game against Tulane he gave up two hits, a walk and three runs.

Bad luck hung with him during the off-season, too, as Pekarek was diagnosed with an stress reaction that required major surgery and forced him to miss his sophomore year.

Pekarek trudged on through slow progress in 2003 to have a banner senior season.

"My goal this year was just to get drafted and continue my play," said Pekarek, who was a second-team All-Big 12 Conference pick after going 8-1 with a 3.16 ERA. "Halfway into the season, Ithought it was going to be tough to do that -Iwasn't having a great year. But me and Coach (Rob)Childress had a couple of big talks about what Iwanted to do and what Ihad in me, and something just clicked."

For Pekarek, it was more than feeling like he was physically recovered. It was having the mentality to trust a talent that led him to strike out 75 batters in 74 innings.

"When guys come back from an injury, you'll think he's back to his old self," Childress said. "But you've got to exercise the mind, too. Justin, the last six weeks of the season, was back to the Justin of his redshirt freshman season. He kept getting better and better.

"I think he's going to do extremely well (in professional ball)."

Pekarek credited Childress for putting him in the position to at least have a chance.

"He pumped me up and said 'Hey, you've got the stuff,'" Pekarek said. "I've known, but just hadn't heard it from such a big figure in my life. ... I think my will took over."

Pekarek spent the early part of Monday running with his dog and preparing his fishing lines for a trip he had planned for today.

"When Igot the phone call at 3 from the scout I had just told my parents I was heading to Lincoln to do some things," he said. "Idon't think I'll be leaving the rest of the day, now.

"I'm pumped. I had a dream last night about getting drafted. ... Idon't think one time Iever thought about hanging it up. Never once. I just didn't want to come a regular student. Ialways had a feeling Iwas going to come back."

The 50-round major-league draft continues today. Through 18 rounds Monday, one other Husker was picked - senior second baseman Jake Mullinax in the 14th round by St. Louis.

NUrecruit Ryan Phillips, a left-handed pitcher from Barton County (Kan.) Community College (Boston, 11th round),also was selected.

Reach Curt McKeever at 473-7441 or cmckeever@;journalstar.com.