First MLB Scout Day at Hancock Draws 15 Teams

Twenty-five Allan Hancock College baseball players participated Friday in the first-ever Major League Baseball Scout Day hosted by the baseball program. For nearly four hours, they competed in front of professional scouts from fifteen major league teams.

"This event is great publicity for the college, the baseball program and our players. These kids are in the spotlight and have a chance to catch the eye of a scout. That's what it takes for a chance to play professional ball," said head baseball coach Chris Stevens. "These scouts are writing down a lot of notes which means our student-athletes are taking advantage of this opportunity and putting on quite a show."

Players took part in batting practice, infield and outfield practice, a modified scrimmage and ran a timed 60-yard dash.

Representing the Bulldogs were catcher Ryan Welker (Santa Ynez High), Ronald Regalado (Righetti HS), first basemen Felipe Gonzalez (Santa Ynez HS) and Cayman Hoggard. Infielders Zach Nyman, Jacob Witkowski, Josh Luehmann and Ryan Benedele (Righetti), along with outfielders Kyle Smith (Pioneer Valley HS), Roger Guillen (Pioneer Valley), Chris Curiel (Righetti HS) and highly-touted freshman Cameron Ketchen showcased their skills in front of scouts. Nine pitchers, including Santa Ynez High School graduate Nathan Thompson, Lompoc native Ryan Bower, Nipomo High graduate Marc Baker, St. Joseph High grad John Drury and flame thrower Connor Girard pitched to five batters apiece. Girard registered 91 to 94 miles per hour with his fastball on scouts' radar guns

The Atlanta Braves, Milwaukee Brewers, Chicago Cubs, Minnesota Twins, Tampa Rays, Arizona Diamondbacks, New York Yankees, Washington Nationals, Pittsburgh Pirates, Philadelphia Phillies, New York Mets, Miami Marlins and Chicago White Sox and Seattle Mariners sent regional scouts to check out the Bulldogs.

Since 2004, seven former Bulldogs have become Major League draft picks, including two in the 2013 Major League First-Year Players Draft.

The Bulldogs open the 2014 season on Jan. 30 at a tournament in Bakersfield.