Slidell’s Corey Cousin has been drafted by the Kansas City Royals. Here’s when

Slidell outfielder and right-handed pitcher Corey Cousin called it a “dream come true.”

Cousin was drafted by the Kansas City Royals with the second pick of the 18th round of the MLB Draft on July 16. He was the 527th overall pick.

Cousin had hopes of being taken in rounds 3-10, which were held on July 16, but the St. Tammany Farmer Hitter of the Year said although the excitement was delayed a day, it was special.

“Yesterday, we knew it was a 50/50 chance, but it didn’t happen,” Cousin said. “Then today came, and I was told that it would be a high possibility, so I just had to wait one day. It’s a feeling that I’ve never had before. Signing with a college was pretty big, but this is just different. It’s a dream come true. I still get chills.”

Cousin was in Georgia when he found out he was drafted after leaving for a travel ball tournament earlier in the day.

“I was in the hotel when I found out. I’m just here with my team and coach, so it’s special,” Cousin said.

The 6-foot, 182-pound athlete throws over 90 miles per hour and finished his senior season with a 7-0 record in 60 innings with 86 strikeouts. The District 6-5A MVP dominated at the plate, hitting .450 with 12 doubles, two triples and two home runs to go with 39 runs scored and 18 RBIs.

MLB.com noted that scouts project him as a center fielder.

“A quarterback in school, Cousin showed good speed entering the Draft with a 6.4-second time in the 60-yard dash. He has some decent pop as a right-handed hitter, and some evaluators believe he could be at least a solid defender in center field. He committed to Oklahoma last July, but Kansas City might have an eye on signing him here,” the website’s draft analysis said.

Now, Cousin has a decision to make — he can sign with the Royals or attend college.

“Today was really hectic, so we’ll talk about what we’ll do tomorrow,” Cousin said. “We’re going to sit down after my game and talk about what will be best for me. We’ll figure things out after I sit down with my family and my agent. It’s an exciting time.”