Since he started playing baseball, Tyler Austin has been working toward one goal.
 That goal came closer to fruition as the former Heritage catcher was selected by the New York Yankees in the Major League Baseball Amateur Draft last Tuesday evening.
 Austin was drafted by the defending World Series champions with the final pick of the 13th round, the 415th overall selection.
 "The last couple years his energy level has all been geared toward this end - trying to play professional baseball," said. Eddie Bagwell, Tyler Austin's Legion ball coach.
 The 2009 AFLAC All-American game participant was projected to be selected as early as the second round and mentioned in Baseball America as a fourth round selection.
 While he wasn't chosen as high as first predicted, Austin can still make a splash in the majors as proven by several stars.
 Mike Piazza was a 62nd round pick in 1988, John Smolts was selected in 22nd round in 1985, Roy Oswalt was a 23rd round pick in 1996 and Jason Bay wasn't selected until the 22nd round in 2000.
 "He still got drafted; he's got more opportunity than most kids (at making the major leagues), Bagwell said. "It boils down to the difference between him and a first or second rounder; they're going to get a huge signing bonus. But he can make as much as they do by proving it on the baseball field."
 Austin has committed to Kennesaw State if he feels that more seasoning in college is beneficial to his career, by reentering the draft after his junior or senior seasons.
 Austin also had interest from the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Texas Rangers, both of whom according to Bagwell were set to select him in the 14th round.
 The Patriots were 14-14 and made the first round of the state playoffs in 2010 during their catcher's senior season. Austin also helped Conyers Post 77 American Legion team win the state championships in 2009.
 "Obviously the Yankees saw something in him," Bagwell said. "He's a great kid, he's got a lot of upside, great instincts to play this game and good speed, specifically for a guy his size."