Sterling, VA – Pinkman Baseball Academy had several unique links to Monday’s Major League Draft. First, The Houston Astros selected J.B. Bukauskas, a junior from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, in the 15th position of the 1st round. Certainly that calls for celebration for both player, family and coaches. Bukauskas  began his education with Pinkman Baseball at eight years old. Bukauskas is the 2017 ACC Pitcher of the Year and is expected to a have a very short stay in the Minor League. According to Al Lieter, MLB insider, J.B. currently possesses Major League ability.

The links do not stop there. Astros’ Assistant GM, and Director of Scouting, Mike Elias was also a long time Pinkman Student. Further, during his college years at Yale and after graduating Elias became an instructor at Pinkman.

One more link:  Astros Major League Pitching Coach, Brent Strom is also a good friend of the Pinkman’s for many years. “Brent is a 50-year veteran of the game. He is possibly the best teacher in MLB because he has been a tireless student of pitching development and leader in the game. “Every day we use Brent’s information and teaching techniques at our Academy,” commented John Pinkman.

Bukauskas was a potential first round pick out of Stone Bridge High School in Ashburn, VA, but declined to enter the draft in 2014, preferring to play at UNC. During that time John Pinkman sought counsel from Elias and Strom as to Bukauskas’ future.

“We are elated that J.B. was selected by Mike,” Pinkman said. “Both of these extraordinary young men share the same excellent work ethic, personal character and decisive visions of their future.” Pinkman believes Elias rose so quickly in MLB because of his pursuit of education, verified statistics, and a never ending desire to learn expressed in the book and movie, “Money Ball.”

The mission of the Pinkman Academy is to provide professional baseball and softball instruction throughout the DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia area – as well as virtually using an iOS device. Pinkman offers premium athletic instruction for all students targeting individual needs, regardless of their current skill level. Players come to Pinkman to be assessed and to develop their physical, mental, and leadership skills and emotional prowess. Pinkman is located at 21598 Atlantic Blvd #130, Sterling, Virginia. Call 703-661-8586 or visit pinkmanacademy.com. Find Pinkman on Facebook or Twitter @pinkmanacademy. Schedule an appointment online.