[Big Six]

January 1, 1901

As the new century begins, so does the Keystone League. Today, the eight clubs filled their rosters through the Inaugural Draft.

Let's meet the eight players who were drafted in the first round of today's draft.

1. Bethlehem Steelers: C Ernie Hatfield, age 23
The Steelers surprised nobody with this pick. Hatfield is an elite batsman, with the ability to hit for both average and power. His strike zone judgement is also superb. He is also good defensively, with an especially strong throwing arm. Ernie should be the face of the Steelers for years to come.


2. Allentown Fleetwings: OF Rusty Riggs, age 23
The Fleets had hoped to somehow land Hatfield, a local boy. They were nonetheless pleased to select Riggs instead. He makes consistent, solid contact with a smooth left-handed stroke, and should be a consistent .300 hitter with decent power. Rusty's speed makes him a dangerous baserunner and enables him to cover huge amounts of ground defensively.

3. Harrisburg Senators: RHP Tom Moss, age 27
The first pitcher to come off the board, Moss features a five-pitch repertoire that includes a lively fastball and a devilish knuckle curve. His sturdy 5'9" frame and solid mechanics should enable him to avoid injury. Tom should give the Senators a bona fide ace for years to come.

4. Scranton Electrics: RHP Cal Brookhart, age 27
Brookhart, a soft-spoken farm boy from the York area, is an unassuming figure--until he steps onto the mound and releases his 101 MPH fastball. His ability to mix in a variety of crooked pitches makes him that much harder to hit. Cal is strong enough to handle a heavy workload, too.

5. Altoona Alleghenies: OF Bobby Ingram, age 28
The Alleghenies were delighted to see Ingram available when their turn came, as they rated him the best five-tool prospect in the draft. He hits with authority to all fields, runs well, and demonstrates good range and sure hands afield. Bobby also earns high marks for his intelligence and leadership ability.

6. Lancaster Red Roses: 1B Edgar Tercero, age 24
Some observers were surprised when Lancaster chose Tercero in Round One, but the Reds believe he can fill their cleanup spot for the next decade. They like his plus power from both sides of the plate and his superb strike zone judgement. Edgar should also be a fan favorite, with his no-holds-barred style of play.

7. Williamsport Loggers: RHP Terry Barker, age 24
Barker might lack the electric stuff of a Moss or a Burkhart, but he demonstrates a good feel for all three of his pitches, and his control is impeccable. His unflappable personality is perfect for a staff ace, which is exactly what the Loggers expect Terry to be.

8. York White Roses: 1B Pete Rosinsky, age 25
Big Pete stands 6'3", tips the scales at 255 pounds, and can hit a baseball a long, long way. The Punxsutawney native lacks agility around the first base bag and he can't run at all, but the Whites believe his plus-plus power more than compensates for these shortcomings.


Pictured: #1 overall pick Ernie Hatfield in his new Steelers togs.