Six Former HiToms Selected in MLB Draft

THOMASVILLE, N.C. – This past weekend, six former players from the High Point-Thomasville HiToms were selected in the 2014 Major League Baseball Draft.

Ole Miss pitcher Josh Laxer and Louisville outfield Cole Sturgeon were selected on Friday, the draft’s second day. The other four former HiToms were selected on Saturday, the last day of the draft: Aaron Attaway of Western Carolina, Kyle Martin of South Carolina, John McLeod of Wake Forest, and Dylan Thompson of UNC-Greensboro.

Laxer (ninth round – Detroit Tigers) was a staple in the HiToms’ rotation in 2012, making seven starts and posting at 2-4 record with a 2.44 ERA. In 44 1/3 innings pitched, the right-hander led the team with 35 punchouts and allowed less than a hit per inning.

Sturgeon (10th round – Ole Miss) played both ways for the HiToms in 2011, making his presence felt both on the mound and at the plate. The southpaw made eight appearances out of the bullpen, going 2-1 with a 3.21 ERA while allowing less than a hit per inning. In the field, Sturgeon started 22 of 27 games hitting .250 and earning seven RBIs.

Attaway (20th round – Toronto Blue Jays) started 44 games for the HiToms in 2012. The shortstop led the team in steals with nine and slugged two home runs while driving in 12 runs.

Martin (20th round – Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim) spent last season with the HiToms, starting 41 games and slugging three homers, ranking second on the team. The lefty bat also notched seven doubles and drove in 14 runs. Martin also made two appearances out of the bullpen with an ERA of 2.25.

McLeod (21st round – Baltimore Orioles) also played for the HiToms in 2013, sporting 2.70 ERA in five appearances. The left-hander also racked up two saves and averaged close to two strikeouts per inning pitched.

Thompson (31st round – Colorado Rockies) was a two-year member of the HiToms playing in both the 2011 and 2012 seasons. The right-hander had his best year in 2012, making eight appearances (five starts) and posting a 1-3 record.

The 2014 High Point-Thomasville HiToms face the Martinsville Mustangs Sunday afternoon, with first pitch at 5 P.M. from Finch Field.