Citadel, College of Charleston hit hard by MLB draft - Charleston Post Courier
Citadel junior pitchers Skylar Hunter (from Hanahan High School) and Austin Mason went in the 12th and 17th rounds, respectively, on Wednesday, Hunter to the Phillies and Mason to Arizona. They join a third Bulldogs pitcher, James Reeves of Ashley Ridge High School, who was taken by the Yankees in the 10th round on Tuesday. The Cougars’ Blake Butler, a junior second baseman, was chosen in the 15th round by the Reds on Wednesday, joining second-day picks in pitcher Taylor Clarke (third round, Arizona) and infielder Carl Wise (fourth round, Blue Jays). All six players are eligible for another college season, but all six will sign contracts and begin their pro careers. Cougars coach Monte Lee said he’d love to have his trio back for their senior seasons, but also knows that the time is right for them to start their pro careers. “We have these conversations before it happens,” said Lee, whose team won the Colonial Athletic Association regular-season title and advanced to the NCAA regionals last season. Butler was one of the good ones, hitting. 325 with 13 home runs and 63 runs batted-in for the Cougars this season, and starting 177 of 179 career games in which he played. It’s really exciting for me, and I’m really excited for those guys. Source: www.postandcourier.com
