Poythress' incredible summer is not yet over
Former Greenbrier High School star Rich Poythress has had a 2008 season that other baseball players around the country only dream about.
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The first baseman helped lead the University of Georgia to a dramatic run to the College World Series and a national runner-up finish. Along the way, he piled up some impressive numbers -- hitting .374 with 15 homers and 75 RBI.
Many would be content with that alone, but Poythress is busy putting the finishing touches on his incredible year. Last week, he was named a starter in the 46th Annual Cape Cod League All-Star Game.
Playing mostly third base this summer for Orleans, Poythress has hit a whopping .364 en route to his All-Star Game selection. He also had an on-base percentage of .507.
Perhaps more importantly was his effect on his team. He joined Orleans late because of UGA's World Series run and a wrist injury, but after arriving, he led the Cardinals to a remarkable 15-2-1 mark. Orleans is currently ranked as the No. 1 college summer league team in the country by Perfect Game .
Starting for the East Squad this past weekend, Poythress broke up a perfect game in the fifth inning with a solo home run that tied the score at 1-1. The East would go on to win 8-6, with Poythress going 1-for-2.
Just prior to his selection to the All-Star Game, Poythress also got word that he was to receive the Rawlings Gold Glove award. The award recognized the former Wolfpack standout as the top defensive first baseman in college baseball.
Poythress also had a thrilling experience hitting for Boston Red Sox scouts at historic Fenway Park. The Sox invited about 20 players from the Cape Cod League to work out so scouts could get a closer look at them before the 2009 draft.
If the workout counts for anything, the Red Sox might be dialing up Poythress next June.
"I hit about six or seven home runs," Poythress said. "I hit two out of the stadium completely."
His summer performance, coupled with his terrific season with the Dogs, has put Poythress in position to be an early-round selection in next year's Major League Baseball draft.