HWB Welcomes $6 Million Man: Matt Wieters
Published on September 12, 2007 under Hawaii Winter Baseball 2 (HWB 2) News Release
Matt Wieters, the No. 5 overall pick in the 2007 amateur draft, will make his professional debut with Hawaii Winter Baseball, the league announced today. The 21-year-old had spent the past three seasons at Georgia Tech before being selected by Baltimore in the June 7 amateur draft.
Wieters collected a $6 million signing bonus on Aug. 15 when he officially signed with the Orioles. The bonus is the second highest to accompany a minor league deal for a drafted amateur player behind the record $6.1 million received by Arizona's Justin Upton in 2005. However, Upton's bonus was spread over five years; Wieters received his payment up-front.
"We got the deal, and my agent and I thought it was a fair value for the market," Wieters said in a telephone conversation with HWB. "I'm happy to get out there and start playing. I'm just looking forward to competing and seeing live pitching again. And, being in Hawaii should be a great experience."
The 6-5, 230-pound switch-hitting catcher from Goose Creek, S.C. was named to multiple All-America teams and was touted as one of the best collegiate hitters in the draft. In his three seasons at Georgia Tech, Wieters posted a .359 batting average and drove in 198 runs on 35 home runs and 54 doubles. Additionally, Wieters served as Georgia Tech's closing pitcher, accumulating a 3.83 ERA and 16 saves. He and fellow Georgia Tech alum Jason Varitek-now an All-Star catcher with Boston-are the only catchers in school history to earn first-team All-America honors.
"Catching is such a premium position, and I've always had a passion for being behind the plate," said Wieters, who also mentioned that his pitching days are most likely over. "It's a rarity to have someone who switch-hits and can catch at the same time."
In high school, Wieters was a four-year letter winner for coach John Chalus at Stratford High School as a catcher, pitcher and first baseman. He earned praise as the No. 1 rated prospect in South Carolina, and No. 60 in the nation. As a senior, Wieters hit .407 with seven home runs and 34 RBI. He ranks in the school's career top 10 in RBIs, walks, hits and total bases, and went 5-2 with a 2.76 ERA, recording 72 strikeouts in 51 innings on the mound.
Despite the pressures of being a high draft pick, Wieters is looking forward to coming to Hawaii and starting his pro career. He worked out with Baltimore's Aberdeen IronBirds (Class-A, Short Season) to end the minor league campaign, and has been preparing for Hawaii Winter Baseball by exercising alongside the Georgia Tech squad as they hold fall practice.
"I can't put too much pressure on myself, especially since I haven't seen a professional pitch yet," Wieters said. "I've always loved the beach, so it should be a good vacation. But at the same time, I'm focusing on getting back into playing baseball."
Hawaii Winter Baseball 2 Stories from September 12, 2007
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.
