Garrett Whitley Hits First Pro Home Run

Niskayuna graduate Garrett Whitley hit his first professional home run yesterday as the Gulf Coast League Rays beat the Gulf Coast League Twins by a score of 5-4.

Whitley, the No. 13 pick in the MLB Draft this year, hadn't played in a game since July 21st, mostly due to several rainouts in the Gulf Coast League since that time.

Whitley is hitting just .200 (3-15) in limited action this season. He has the homer, and three RBIs.

The win moves the GCL Rays to just 7-22 on the season, much of that record accumulated before Whitley joined the team.

Whitley won the Gatorade HS Player of the Year in New York this season, and was the highest drafted New York high schooler since Manny Ramirez.

Whitley, Tim Stauffer (Spa Catholic/Mets), Tommy Kahnle (Shaker/Rockies), Jeff Hoffman (Shaker/Rockies), Murphy Smith (Shen/Blue Jays), Jaime Schultz (Maple Hill/Rays), Matt Gage (Broadalbin-Perth/Giants), JP Sportman (LaSalle/A's), Branden Cogswell (Shen/A's), Mike Fish (Bethlehem/Angels), Brian O'Keefe (Colonie/Cardinals), and Justin Brantley (Hudson/Indians) make up a significant Capital Region continent in professional baseball.