Local baseball fans will be disappointed to learn that newly-minted professional ballplayer, and Batavia High grad, Ryan Gugel likely won't be playing any of his games in Batavia this summer.
The slugging catcher who signed a free-agent contract with the Philadelphia Phillies last week has reported to Clearwater, Fla., in the rookie-level Gulf Coast League, according to the D&C..
The Phillies also have an affiliate in the New York-Penn League, the Williamsport Crosscutters, and it's possible Gugal could make his way to that Batavia Muckdog rival at some point this season or next. Though his next step could just as easily be the Lakewood BlueClaws or the Clearwater Thrashers.
Meanwhile, fellow Batavia High grad Chris Page, taken in the 50th round of the June Draft by the Cincinnati Reds, has yet to sign a contract. The Reds have rookie-level and Class A affiliates in Sarasota, Fla., Billings, Mont. and Dayton, Ohio.
I hope the Batavian or the
I hope the Batavian or the Daily can keep all us Batavia folks informed on Ryan's and Pages's progress as they did with Mickey Hyde a few years ago. That was nice being able to follow their performances and progress.
You are so right, Ken.
You are so right, Ken.
Ahhh, he ain't gonna amount
Ahhh, he ain't gonna amount to nuttin'...there I got it out of the way so the path is paved for true encouragers. Way to go Ryan and Chris, hope you're successful at every level. Genesee County is rooting for you!
I will definitely be
I will definitely be following these guys so I'll give updates.
Though I'm not a baseball fan
Though I'm not a baseball fan (I couldn't hit a ball with a stick if you put it on a tee), I still think its going to be fun and interesting to follow these two young men as they <b>WORK</b> to further their ambitions. It would be great if they could regularly share their experience with the folks back home.
Good Luck Ryan!
Good Luck Ryan!