The Atlanta Braves are set to host this year’s All-Star Game while continuing to build for the future. The team has drafted former designated hitter Conley and East Carolina University (ECU) standout Dixon Williams, who has drawn comparisons to Chipper Jones. Williams, selected in the fourth round, led ECU in 10 offensive categories, including 14 home runs and 51 RBIs. He now joins the Braves’ minor league system with aspirations of becoming an All-Star.
In other draft news, former New Bern Bear Danny Thompson was picked by the Toronto Blue Jays in the eighth round. Thompson, who played for NC Wesleyan, UNC Greensboro, and the Morehead City Marlins, said he was selected “a little sooner than the right-handed pitcher thought he might hear his name.” Thompson plans to head to Florida in the coming days to sign his contract and begin his professional career.
Joining Thompson in Florida will be former South Central and UNC Wilmington star Trace Baker. The right-handed pitcher was picked by the Blue Jays in the 13th round and will be evaluated and placed in Toronto’s farm system.
Additionally, former Gramercy Christian student Evan Siary was selected in the eighth round by the Texas Rangers. Siary, who lived in New Bern and Havelock and attended school in Newport, was a strikeout machine at Texas A&M. He now joins the Texas organization.
In basketball news, former ECU basketball star RJ Felton made his NBA Summer League debut with the Indiana Pacers. Wearing number 11, Felton played four minutes and hit his only shot attempt, a three-pointer from the corner, though the Pacers fell to the Bulls 114-105.