Inside the Huddle

Here are some photos (taken by staffer Christopher Carter) from last week’s dog-and-pony show between myself and star baseball player Drew Vettleson. I’ve included two images that didn’t make the print version of Friday’s paper.
Coach Bill Baxter was kind — crazy? — enough to let me pitch to Vettleson after I whiffed, and I managed to get three pitches over the plate. He hit two of them deep, deep into the outfield. We were on the practice diamond, so I’m not sure how far the balls actually traveled or if they would have been home runs had we been on a game field. But trust me, they were blasts.
It will be interesting to see what Vettleson does come June, when he is projected to be drafted in the 2010 Major League Draft. I asked him if he would go pro if given the opportunity, and he said he has yet to decide, explaining he will weigh his options when the time comes. Asked which team he’d like to play for, if any in particular, he went with the hometown squad Mariners.
It’s hard to believe Vettleson would turn down a contract, though, and it’s looking like he’ll be selected fairly early in the draft. Some scouting reports have him rated as high as the No. 17 prospect in the country.
For now, let’s just appreciate the fact we get to watch this young man for another month or so as Central Kitsap marches toward the postseason. Enjoy.