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Bay League News: Hawkin Goes First In 2017 Draft
Outpost News Service

After a disappointing season, the Allison Spelunkers won in one respect: they selected first in the yearly divvying-up of new talent. With that privilege, the Spelunkers surprised many Bay League experts by tabbing pitcher Russell Hawkin with their initial selection. Spelunkers manager Joe Leonard approved of the choice. "You can never have enough pitching. Between Hawkin and Tony Jones, we've got some exciting young arms that could make a big difference for us someday," said Leonard. Hawkin sounded surprised, but upbeat when informed he'd be joining the Allison organization. "Who wouldn't want to play with those guys? I'd been hearing Tifton, maybe Lorris or Gentry Hills, but not Allison. I'm thrilled. I just want to get started playing." The left-handed Hawkin is known to be a fierce competitor, but he's had some arm trouble playing in local leagues. Fans in Allison, never afraid to speak their minds loudly, are mixed in their reactions. "Those bums in the lineup hit about as well as my dead gramma, and she wasn't much of a hitter when she was alive," said Walt Cullen. "They shoulda gone with a hitter." The next barstool over, Ken Martin disagreed, "Hawkin's the best player in that bunch. Five years from now, he'll be playing in the Bay League. Those other guys, they'll be lucky to still be kicking around the city leagues."

Other players selected in the first round were first baseman Ralph Duell going to the Tifton Generals, second baseman Jason Hyde to the Lorris Greens, outfielder Lee Schrupp to the Gentry Hills Scouts, first baseman Carson Richardson to the Silver Beach Whales, pitcher Ryan Jones to Deepvale, second baseman Aaron Gonzalez to Marsein and pitcher Sam Przybilla to the league champions in Elliott Springs. Will any of these young men follow in the steps of Walter Sebring or Steven Underwood in making an immediate Bay League impact? Keep your eyes on the Outpost News Service to find out!