Local Product Earns Promotion to Winston
Thousands of minor league baseball players jump from one affiliate to another during the course of the season. It is rare for a player to join a team so close to not only his hometown, but his college as well.
One of those rare instances happened today with the promotion of catcher Jeremy Dowdy, a Raleigh native and an Appalachian League State product, to the Dash.
Dowdy signed with the White Sox as an undrafted free agent June 12 and began his professional career with rookie-level Bristol in the Appalachian League. He hit .412 (7-for-17) with three RBI and two runs scored in five games.
Although Dowdy has only played in five of the B-Sox’s first 14 games, this is a common practice at that level. Most Appalachian League squads carry at least three catchers, and Bristol had four when Dowdy was on board.
According to the Mountaineers’ website, Dowdy is one of only three players in school history to play in at least 200 games. He is among the university’s all-time top 10 with 732 at-bats, 43 doubles, 127 RBI and 86 walks.
For the first time this season, the Dash have three catchers on the roster. Mike Blanke and Miguel Gonzalez have been with the Dash since the start of the season, and they will gladly take on the third catcher. In the minor leagues, catchers are responsible for any bullpen catching or pre-game sides. With the heat on full blast within the league, a respite here and there will help immensely.
The Dash wrap up their quick three-game road trip tonight at 7:05 against Lynchburg. Pre-game starts at 6:50 here. Talk to you then.
- Brian
