County products join forces in Dayton

Former Greenbrier standout Bradley Key and Augusta Christian Star Jordan Belcher grew up playing baseball with or against each other virtually their entire lives. Both grew into big-time high school players.

Key had one of the most impressive four-year careers of anyone in Columbia County history. Belcher also had a monster career, and possibly the best single season in county history. After high school, Key went on to a brilliant college career at USC Aiken. Belcher chose to skip college and sign a pro contract after being drafted by the Cincinnati Reds. Coincidentally, the Reds also gobbled up Key after three solid seasons for the Pacers.

As 2005 began, Key was assigned to the Reds Single-A Affiliate in Dayton, Ohio. Belcher started 2005 with the Reds Rookie Team in Billings, Mont.

The 6-foot-2, 185-pound outfielder was swinging a hot bat. He was leading Billings in RBI and was starting to show some real consistency at the plate.

This past week the Reds rewarded Belcher for his strong showing by promoting him to Dayton. He joined the Dragons on Friday night, and was promptly inserted into the starting lineup in right field. He went 0-2 in a 7-1 Dragons loss.

Then, after a day off, Belcher started again on Sunday and delivered his first home run in Single-A. He was 1-3 with a solo blast while playing in left field. Key, the Dragons starting third baseman, also had a good night. He was 2 for 5 with a double. Unfortunately, the Dragons dropped a 10-4 decision in that contest.

It surely is a small world. Two Columbia County Players playing on the same team in the Midwest League. I hope they will have a short stay in Dayton before Double-A comes calling.