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AtL Southern Maryland Blue Crabs

Blue Crabs Sign Two at ALPB Player Showcase

April 2, 2019 - Atlantic League (AtL)
Southern Maryland Blue Crabs News Release


(Waldorf, Md.) - The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs have announced their signing of John Hayes and Milton Perez.

The duo was acquired at the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball Player Showcase produced by Prospect Dugout, an organization co-founded by Blue Crabs' player/hitting coach, Craig Maddox. The showcase took place March 29-31 at the TigerTown Complex in Lakeland, Florida, the Detroit Tigers' home for Spring Training. More than 300 players attended, including many with MLB experience. In addition to all eight ALPB teams being present, more than two dozen MLB teams were represented at the showcase. 11 players were selected in the ALPB draft, including Hayes and Perez.

"The Player Showcase was a great success in all aspects," said Atlantic League President Rick White. "Player participation exceeded our initial forecasts and was impressive, while Prospect Dugout did a terrific job organizing and running the event. We are grateful to everyone who took part."

"Thank you to Atlantic League managers and coaches for their hard work and enthusiasm," said Prospect Dugout Co-Founder Craig Maddox. "We also would like to extend our gratitude to TigerTown for their hospitality during the event."

The Atlantic League and Prospect Dugout will announce plans for the 2020 Player Showcase in the coming months. Stay tuned to AtlanticLeague.com for further details.

The Blue Crabs' first round draft pick John Hayes began his professional baseball career when he was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the 25th round of the 2016 June Amateur Draft out of Wichita State University. The right-hander's athleticism extends far beyond the pitchers' mound. He won state twice in the 400 meter-dash at Pottsboro High School (Texas), yet despite having scholarships to run track in college, Hayes decided to stick to baseball citing his dislike for running. Staying with baseball turned out to be a great decision for Hayes, considering a stellar career up to this point. 2019 marks the first non-affiliated season of his career, after spending the first three in the Tigers' organization.

Southern Maryland's second round draft pick, Milton Perez is a native of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, where he graduated from Liceo Aguadillano High School in 2015. He went on to attend Southwestern Community College in Creston, Iowa for one year, and subsequently attended Clarke College in Dubuque, Iowa.

"I was very impressed with the performance of Hayes in his pitching outing during the showcase this past weekend. He showed great angle on his pitches and attacked the zone!" said Manager Stan Cliburn. "Perez was solid behind the plate receiving the baseball and had solid at bats throughout the weekend! Two very talented young players."

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