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WCL Walla Walla Sweets

Seven Sweets Selected in 2016 MLB Draft

June 12, 2016 - West Coast League (WCL)
Walla Walla Sweets News Release


WALLA WALLA, Wash. - The 2016 MLB Amatuer Draft concluded on Saturday, June 11 with the selection of players in rounds 11 through 40. This year the draft class saw seven former and current Sweets selected by professional teams.

Former Walla Walla Sweet (2013) and UCLA standout Luke Persico was drafted in the 12th round by the Oakland Athletics, making him the first former Sweet selected in the 2016 MLB draft. In an impressive junior campaign, Persico led the Bruins in batting average, hits, and home runs as their everyday third baseman. No stranger to the draft, Persico was previously selected in the 37th round by the Colorado Rockies out of high school, prior to joining the Sweets in 2013. As part of a that WCL division-winning club, Perisco hit .213 with nine RBI as an incoming freshman.

Dominic Miroglio (2013 Sweets) from University of San Francisco was picked in the 16th round (480 overall) by the Tampa Bay Rays. Miroglio hit .264 with four doubles and 13 RBI for the Sweets.

Cooper Hummel (2014) out of Portland was selected in the 18th round (531 overall) by the Milwaukee Brewers. Hummel his .284 for the Sweets, with seven doubles, one home run, 12 RBI, and 14 walks.

Taylor Jones of Gonzaga University (2013 Sweets) was selected by the Houston Astros in the 19th round (577th overall). Jones appeared in four games for the Sweets as a pitcher, with limited time on the mound due to a shoulder injury. During his tenure with the Zags, Jones developed in to a full-time first baseman and was named second team All-West Coast Conference following his senior year at Gonzaga.

Ben Baird (2016) was selected in the 20th round (602 overall) out of Agoura HS/University of Washington by the Cleveland Indians. Baird has not appeared in any games for the Sweets this season.

Juan Gamez (2015 Sweets) of North Dakota State was picked by the Minnesota Twins in the 31st round (933 overall). Gamez hit .220 for the Sweets with five doubles, two homeruns, and 13 RBI.

Connor O'Neil (2014 Sweets) was picked in the 32nd round (955 overall) by the Detroit Tigers. O'Neil was 4-2 for the Sweets with a 3.73 ERA. He recorded 44 strikeouts in 41 innings pitched.

Blake Rutherford, brother of 2016 Sweets player Cole Rutherford, and outfielder for Sweets Manager Frank Mutz at Chaminade College Prep was drafted in the 1st round of the 2016 draft (18th overall) by the New York Yankees.



West Coast League Stories from June 12, 2016


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.

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