Marshall pitcher Patrick Copen, right, gets ready to throw to first during a 2023 college baseball game. Copen is hoping to be selected in this month’s Major League Baseball Draft. (Photo Provided by Marshall Athletics)

BELPRE — Planes, Trains and Automobiles. All worthy modes of transportation, but not quite the vehicle in question which has put Patrick Copen on the map as the Major League Baseball Draft approaches in less than two weeks.

The 21-year-old, right-handed pitcher from Belpre recently returned from the MLB Draft Combine at Chase Field in Phoenix where more than 300 draft-eligible prospects were put under the microscope.

“They put us through medical examinations, conditioning tests and team interviews — there was an insane amount of testing,” Copen said. “I had interviews with seven teams. They went well and I had a great time speaking to each of the teams.

“They all want to get a snap-shot of your personality then look at your baseball skills. Every team did their interviews a little differently. They wanted to find out what made you tick, what motivates you. They want to know what your family is like and thinks like that.”

The combine concluded last Saturday. Now the waiting game continues. For three days, beginning July 9 in Seattle, the draft will cover 20 rounds. Copen, who completed his junior season at Marshall University this past spring, will gather with his family and await the phone call which could start his journey in professional baseball.

“The number where I go in the draft is really not that concerning to me,” said Copen, who is a graduate of Parkersburg Catholic High School. “The way I see it, the draft is a vehicle for where I want to go, and that is playing for a major league program. It doesn’t really matter to me which team. I’m just thrilled to have my name in that conversation.

“The opportunity to play professional baseball is just a blessing. It’s something I won’t take for granted.”

If and when the phone rings, certain variables exist whether Copen signs with the team who drafts him or should he return to Marshall for his senior season.

“It will depend on a lot of different things,” said Copen, who is the son of Curtis and Lauren Copen. “Obviously, one of my dreams is to get drafted and play professional baseball. If certain circumstances come into play, I have the opportunity to go back to Marshall.

“It’s very exciting because my dream ever since little league was to play professionally. As I played up through the ranks, I worked harder toward that dream. I’m grateful and blessed with the support system of my family and the coaches who worked with me.”

Other than the elite group players on everybody’s must-draft list, Copen is unsure which round he is projected to be selected. The only guarantee — he will be at home surrounded by his parents, his two younger brothers (Chris and A.J.) and his grandparents (Pat and Rebecca Copen) following draft process.

“My parents are extremely excited,” Patrick said. “They have sacrificed a lot throughout the years — traveling to different places and staying in hotels. They have made sure I have places to throw, people to throw with. I’m extremely grateful for all the sacrifices they have made throughout the years.

“My grandparents have supported me just as much as anybody else. They are at every game they can possibly attend. They cheer for me on my worst days; cheer for me on my best days. They are definitely part of my support system.”

Copen’s junior season at Marshall included a team-high 83 strikeouts in 72 2-3 innings pitched. The 6-foot-6 senior, who pitched in the Cape Cod League the summer after his sophomore season, closed out the 2023 season with a 5.82 earned-run average in 14 starts.

In addition to all the agility and strength drills at the combine, Copen’s biggest takeaway from the trip focused on the attention to detail from the various organizations.

“I was able to see how in-depth teams go,” Copen said. “Obviously, they put a lot of thought into these decisions. It was so cool to see what they focus on and see the things which go into making those decisions.”

Aside from the combine, Copen’s downtime since returning from his junior year at Marshall has consisted of working out for various scouts and maintaining his fitness. In terms of the upcoming MLB draft, he has remained even-keel.

“I don’t get too anxious about what’s up and coming,” Copen said. “I live in the moment. The things I have in front of me are definitely not something I am struggling with because I am spending quality time with my family.”

Contact Kerry Patrick at kpatrick@newsandsentinel.com