It’s the top of the eighth inning as Jonathan Burns strides toward the mound for the first time all night. He grabs his rosin bag and tosses it a few times before dropping it back to the ground.

His team just fought back from a 7-3 deficit to even the score, and the conference title game is now within reach. Burns takes a look at the crowd scattered throughout University of Texas’ Disch-Falk Field. He looks at UT-Permian Basin’s dugout. He cannot and will not let them have this victory.

Flash forward to the top of the 14th. The score is still tied 7-7. Burns has already thrown five more innings than he is used to as a closer, but he is not slowing down.

The trouble comes when the first two batters are walked, putting a man on first and second. The third batter drives a single into right, loading the bases. Burns takes a breath as he winds up for the pitch and delivers a passed ball.

The catcher scrambles for it as Burns runs toward the plate. The runner at third jets for home and scores. UT-Permian Basin-8, St. Edward’s Hilltoppers-7. Six outs later, the Hilltoppers walk off the field defeated.

Because only a small percentage of college baseball players go onto to become professionals, and even fewer advance to the majors, this is one of the worst ways to go out.

Fortunately, the UT-Permian Basin match was not the last time Burns would stride out to the mound.

Over the summer, Burns was selected in the 26th round (794th overall) of the Major League Baseball draft by the Atlanta Braves. He is now playing for one of their minor league teams, the Gulf Coast League Braves.

“It is exciting because Atlanta was always the team I rooted for growing up,” Burns said in a St. Edward’s press release. “It was a major relief to hear my name called.”

Before Burns was drafted, he posted an impressive final season with the Hilltoppers, boasting a 2.55 ERA and a 7-4 record while holding his opponents to a .222 batting average.

“Jonathan is one of those players you don’t have very often during your coaching career,” head baseball coach Rob Penders said in a St. Edward’s press release. “He has a great humility about himself but is one of the most intense competitors you’ll ever meet. His willingness to do anything for the team was apparent during his time on the hilltop. He started when we needed him to and closed many games in tough situations. The leadership he provided to a young pitching staff this year will remain with this team long after he has gone.”

Penders said that he’s had around 80 players drafted in his coaching career, and only a select few of them have been successful playing baseball.

“It’s sometimes a little easier for closers to make it to the majors,” said Penders. “With the starters you have to go in there and count pitches. The closers are thrown in a little more easily.”

The transition from college athlete to full-time pro hasn’t been easy on Burns.  

“My body wasn’t used to playing everyday, so I really had to change the way I handled things,” said Burns. “I had to take a look at everything I was eating, and make sure I iced my arm properly everyday.”

After 23.1 innings pitched with the Braves, Burns posted a 1-3 record with 24 strikeouts, while holding the opposing team to a .290 batting average.

Looking back at the final game he pitched with St. Edward’s, Burns said he had no regrets. His team left it all on the field. Reflecting on his time and memories as a Hilltopper, he couldn’t help but smile.

“You really come to appreciate some things more after you leave them behind,” Burns said.