A Record 12 Westerners Get "The Call"

The Danbury Westerners are proud to announce the drafting of 12 alumnae by Major League Baseball teams, a record number for the franchise.  

The Westerners are the longest tenured team in the New England Collegiate Baseball League. 

Chicago Cubs pick Jake Stinnett on Day 1

Pitcher Jake Stinnett (DW-12) was the first Westerner and the third NECBL alum drafted, when he was chosen 45th overall by the Chicago Cubs out of the University of Maryland. Hall of Fame pitcher Ferguson Jenkins announced Stinnett's name on MLB Network's coverage of the draft. He was the only Westerner taken on Day 1.

While no Westerners were taken on Day 2, Day 3 was a very good day to be a former Danbury Westerner. Eleven picks were announced live on MLB.com

Chicago White Sox pick Ben Brewster

Stinnett's Maryland and Danbury teammate Ben Brewster (DW-12) was taken by the Chicago White Sox in Round 15 with the 438th pick.

Tampa Bay Rays choose Steve Ascher

Two rounds later, the Tampa Bay Rays selected SUNY-Oneonta pitcher Steve Ascher (DW-13) with the 517th pick.

Detroit Tigers select Michael Thomas

The Detroit Tigers chose University of Kentucky catcher Michael Thomas (DW-12) in the 22nd round with the 670th pick.

Washington Nats grab Chris Riopedre; Atlanta Braves take Tanner Krietemeier

The Westerners had two 23rd round selections, as East Tennessee State shortstop Chris Riopedre (DW-13) and Oklahoma State first baseman Tanner Krietemeier (DW-11) were chosen by the Washington Nationals and Atlanta Braves with the 694th and 703rd picks, respectively.

Chicago Cubs tap Daniel Spingola

Six picks later, in the 24th round, NECBL All-Star centerfielder Daniel Spingola (DW-12,13) from Georgia Tech joined Jake Stinnett on the Chicago Cubs.

Baltimore Orioles chose Brandon Bonilla

With the 751st pick in the 25th round, current Westerner pitcher Brandon Bonilla (DW-13,14) was drafted out of Grand Canyon University by the Baltimore Orioles. Bonilla is the son of former major league outfielder Bobby Bonilla and the godson of Major League Baseball's all-time home run leader Barry Bonds.

Miami Marlins take Nick Williams

The Miami Marlins selected Nick Williams (DW-11), a pitcher from Tennessee in the 26th round with the 767th overall pick.

Orioles, Dodgers, and Reds pick Palmer, Sylvester, and Palacios

Finally, three Westerners were chosen in the 31st round. Southern New Hampshire infielder Riley Palmer (DW-13) and pitcher Derrick Sylvester (DW-11) went to the Baltimore Orioles with the 931st pick, and the Los Angeles Dodgers with the 939th pick.

Sandwiched between them with the 935th pick in the draft is Joshua Palacios (DW-14), an outfielder for San Jacinto College North who was selected by the Cincinnati Reds.

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Submitted by Ridgefield, CT

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