Former Jacket leading local trio at different levels
Three former local baseball standouts are currently playing professional baseball at different levels, including Charlie Culberson, who is currently in the Majors with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Culberson, along with Josh Smoker and Mott Hyde are making their childhood dreams of being a professional baseball player come true.
Here’s an update on how each of them are doing so far this season:
CHARLIE CULBERSON Los Angeles Dodgers, MLB
Serving in a utility role for the Dodgers, Culberson has seen action in 14 games so far this season at several different positions. The 27-year-old, who played with the Giants and Rockies organization before signing as a free agent this past offseason with Los Angeles, has seven hits this season in his reserve role, including two doubles, with four RBIs and two runs scored.
The former Calhoun Yellow Jacket has a .973 fielding percentage while playing shortstop, second, third and outfield in the first month and a half.
JOSH SMOKER Las Vegas 51s (Class AAA affiliate of the New York Mets)
Smoker, a left-handed relief pitcher, has had a solid first few weeks in Las Vegas as he makes a case for a possible call-up to the Mets bullpen this summer. He has appeared in 15 games so far for the 51s and has an 0-1 record with a 3.09 ERA and 21 strikeouts in 11 2-3 innings of work.
Smoker was signed by the Mets prior to the 2015 season after spending a year in the Independent Frontier League with the Rockford Aviators. He signed with Rockford after being released by the Washington Nationals, who drafted him 31st overall in 2007 after his senior season at Calhoun High.
MOTT HYDE Corpus Christi Hooks (Class AA affiliate of the Houston Astros)
Hyde is off to somewhat of a slow start in the first month-plus of the season at Corpus Christi. The infielder is batting .192 in 23 games for the Hooks, including two doubles, a triple and a homer, with five RBIs and five runs scored.
He has a .969 fielding percentage, splitting time between shortstop and second base. The former Calhoun standout is in his third season in the Minors after being drafted by the Astros in the 26th round of the Draft out of Georgia Tech.
NOTE:
If there is a former local standout having success at any level of professional baseball and we left them out, let us know by emailing afarrer@calhountimes.com.