Black Bears Shortstop Signs with Phillies
August 17, 2011 - West Coast League (WCL)
Cowlitz Black Bears News Release
Longview-Kelso, Washington: Black Bears Shortstop Mitchell Walding has signed a contract with the Philadelphia Phillies. Walding was drafted in the 5th round of the June Major League Baseball draft. He becomes the third Black Bears player to sign a contract with a major league team. The 6'4 185 lbs Walding had a great summer for the Black Bears offensively, but his defense is what really impressed the Phillies.
"We certainly would have liked to see Mitchell playing at the University of Oregon this spring under Head Coach George Horton, but when you get offered that amount of money it's virtually impossible to not sign that contract. As an organization the Black Bears are very excited for him and wish him the best of luck", said Black Bears general manager Grant Wilson. "Our reports on Walding said he signed for a reported $800,000 and has an excellent chance of having a very productive Major League Baseball career", added Wilson.
Walding joins Tillman Pugh and Nolan Clark as Black Bears alumni now playing for a Major League organization. Tillman Pugh who signed with the New York Mets in 2010 is currently playing for the Kingsport Mets (Kingsport, TN) and the first player to ever sign with the Black Bears Nolan Clark, has signed with the Phillies and is playing for the Williamsport Crosscutters (Williamsport, PA).
2012 Cowlitz Black Bears Ticket Packages are available by calling (360) 703-3195 or please visit us on-line at www.cowlitzblackbears.com
• Discuss this story on the West Coast League message board...
West Coast League Stories from August 17, 2011
- Klamath Falls Gems Hire Coaches - Klamath Falls Gems
- Black Bears Shortstop Signs with Phillies - Cowlitz Black Bears
- Dark Knight for Sweets in Game 1 - Walla Walla Sweets
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
