2013 Marlins Finish Successful First Professional Seasons
September 10, 2013 - Coastal Plain League (Coastal Plain)
Morehead City Marlins News Release
Morehead City, N.C.- On Saturday June 8th, 2013 Joe Gunkel and Chase McDonald saw their childhood dreams come true. They were selected in the Major League Baseball Draft. McDonald, from Greenville, N.C. was selected with the first pick in the 12th round, 347th overall, by the Houston Astros. Gunkel was taken by the Boston Red Sox in the 18th round, 533rd overall.
McDonald was in his second season with the Marlins, after claiming the Coastal Plain League Offensive Player of the Year award in 2011. He carefully weighed his options before deciding to sign with the Astros in late June. He headed to a different Greeneville, this one in Tennessee, to suit up for the Astros rookie league affiliate in the Appalachian League. The Greeneville Astros made it to the Appalachian League Finals before falling short in the championship series. McDonald was a big part of the team's success, as he hit .245 with six doubles, six home runs, and 33 RBI in 46 games. His home run and RBI totals led the team.
Gunkel only appeared in one game for the Marlins in 2013, when he got the start in Wilmington on June 1st. He signed with the Red Sox shortly after they selected him, and reported to their rookie league team, the Gulf Coast League Red Sox. The organization liked what they saw, and after only one appearance with the team he was promoted to the Class A short-season Lowell Spinners of the New York-Penn League. Gunkel was stellar out of the bullpen for the Spinners, ending the season with a 3-0 record and a 1.35 ERA. He appeared in 14 games, pitching 20 innings. The 6'5 right handed pitcher recorded an astounding 32 strikeouts and three walks.
The Astros and Red Sox are very high on the two former Morehead City Marlins. The duo will keep on honing their skills and are looking to continue down the path to their dream of playing in the Major Leagues.
The Coastal Plain League is the nation's hottest summer collegiate baseball league. Celebrating its 17th season in 2013, the CPL features 14 teams playing North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. The CPL gives college players the chance to refine their skills with the use of wooden bats. Players are housed with local host families for the summer and past experiences have been very positive for both players and hosts. Furthermore, the CPL has had over 1,000 alumni drafted and 65 alums - including 2011 AL MVP and Cy Young winner Justin Verlander - make their Major League debut thus far. For more information on the Coastal Plain League, please visit the league website at www.coastalplain.com, and be sure to friend us on Facebook (at www.facebook.com/coastalplainleague) and follow us via Twitter (as CPLBaseball).
Coastal Plain League Stories from September 10, 2013
- 2013 Marlins Finish Successful First Professional Seasons - Morehead City Marlins
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