July 20, 2004
SEVEN YELLOW JACKETS SIGN PRO CONTRACTS
Georgia Tech had a school-record 10 players selected in the 2004 Major League Baseball Draft in June, and seven have signed with their respective organizations and begun their professional careers.
Pitchers Andrew Kown (3rd round/Tigers), Brian Burks (25th round/Padres), Nick Wagner (28th round/Devil Rays) and Aaron Walker (30th round/Devil Rays) all signed pro contracts in mid-June. Also signing were outfielder Brandon Boggs (4thh round/Rangers), catcher Mike Nickeas (5th round/Rangers) and first baseman Clifton Remole (11th round/Angels).
Three other current Yellow Jackets were drafted in June but have yet to sign pro contracts – second baseman Eric Patterson (8th round/Cubs), outfielder Jeremy Slayden (18th round/Athletics) and pitcher/DH Micah Owings (19th round/Cubs). All three players have eligibility to return to Georgia Tech in the fall.
ELEVEN TECH PLAYERS IN THE CAPE COD LEAGUE
Eleven current Georgia Tech players are spending the summer months playing in the prestigious Cape Cod League. Outfielder Steven Blackwood, shortstop Tyler Greene and pitcher Ryan Self are teammates with the Orleans Cardinals. Catcher Andy Hawranick, pitcher/DH Micah Owings, and pitchers Jason Neighborgall and John Goodman are playing with the Bourne Braves. Third baseman Wes Hodges and pitcher Lee Hyde are teammates with the Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox. Pitcher Jordan Crews is with the Brewster Whitecaps first baseman Whit Robbins is playing with the Wareham Gatemen.
Owings and Neighborgall have completed their stints in the Cape.
All the action from the summer can be followed at Cape Cod Baseball League.
OTHER SUMMER LEAGUE ASSIGNMENTS
In addition to the Cape Cod League, Georgia Tech has several other players participating in various other leagues across the country this summer.
Pitchers Jared Hyatt and Blake Wood are playing with the Anchorage Bucs of the Alaska Baseball League.
Pitchers Tim Gustafson and Ryan Turner are playing with the Keene Swamp Bats of the New England Collegiate Baseball League.
Pitcher Jason Neighborgall has joined the Fayetteville Swampdogs of the Coastal Plain League.
YELLOW JACKETS IN THE BIGS
Seven former Yellow Jackets are currently on Major League rosters. The list includes outfielder Darren Bragg (San Diego Padres), pitcher Kevin Brown, (New York Yankees/DL), shortstop Nomar Garciaparra (Boston Red Sox), infielder David Newhan (Baltimore Orioles), outfielder Jay Payton (Colorado Rockies), first baseman Mark Teixeira (Texas Rangers), and catcher Jason Varitek (Boston Red Sox).
ALSO IN PRO BALL
In addition to Tech’s seven major league players, a total of 24 former Yellow Jackets are active in minor league baseball.
AAA:
Marlon Byrd (Wilkes-Barre Red Barons/Phillies), Doug Creek (Memphis Redbirds/Cardinals), Rhett Parrott (Memphis Redbirds-DL/Cardinals), Cory Vance (Oklahoma RedHawks/Rangers), Kris Wilson (Omaha Royals/Royals).
AA:
Kevin Cameron (New Britain Rock Cats/Twins), Steve Kelly (Chattanooga Lookouts/Reds), Richard Lewis (West Tenn Diamond Jaxx/Cubs), Andy Mitchell (Bowie Baysox/Orioles).
A:
Brandon Boggs (Spokane Indians/Rangers), Brian Burks (Eugene Emeralds/Padres), Chris Goodman (Burlington Bees/Royals), Andrew Kown (Oneonta Tigers/Tigers), Victor Menocal (Lakewood BlueClaws/Phillies), Matt Murton (Sarasota Red Sox/Red Sox); Mike Nickeas (Spokane Indians/Rangers), Tyler Parker (Peoria Chiefs/Cardinals), Jason Perry (Modesto Athletics/Athletics), Bryan Prince (Potomac Cannons/Reds), Clifton Remole (Provo Angels/Angels), Nick Wagner (Hudson Valley Renegades/Devil Rays), Aaron Walker (Hudson Valley Renegades/Devil Rays), Jeff Watchko (Asheville Tourists/Rockies).
OTHER:
David Elder (Somerset Patriots – Atlantic League)
