Ryan Gugel, the Gulf Coast League barely got to know you.
The Batavia high grad who signed a free agent deal with the Philadelphia Phillies organization after the Major League Baseball Draft didn't get to play in the GCL Phillies opener because he's been promoted from the short-season rookie league to long-season A ball.
The catcher will make his professional debut with the Lakewood BlueClaws of the South Atlantic League.
The club is 42-26 and leading the Northern Division.
Fellow BHS grad Chris Page was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds organization, but has yet to sign a contract. The Reds drafted four first baseman and is waiting to offer him a contract until a position opens up.
Look at this kid will ya!
Look at this kid will ya! Besides being a player he looks fantastic (he's always taken great pains to look good in a uniform). I could see GQ magazine doing a spread on him someday. Already moving up in league. Keep climbing kid. I rootin' hard for you!
I love seeing one of our
I love seeing one of our Batavia kids doing well in the minors. Ryan is one of the hardest working kids that I've covered over the years and I expect him to do very well.
Making it to the show is difficult, but I'm sure it is in his head that he wants to be there.
Also, it would be great if Page would get signed. He is another good kid that has an insane amount of ability. I think that he's going to make a heck of a player once he gets inked.
Rick Saunders must be very proud to have two of his players doing this.