Former Chipola baseball player Jose Bautista, an outfielder for the Toronto Blue Jays, has been selected to play on the American League team in the Major League Baseball All Star Game set for Tuesday, July 13.
Bautista is currently Major League Baseball’s homerun leader with 21. He is batting .229 with 52 RBI’s. This is his first All-Star nod. “This is uncharted water for me, but it feels good,” said Bautista, who had a previous career high of 16 home runs in a single season.
Bautista was a member on Chipola Baseball squad before being drafted by the Pittsburg Pirates in the 20th round of the 2000 amateur draft. His official signing came in May 2001, the same year the Indians captured the Panhandle Conference Championship and was the NJCAA Region VIII Runner-up.
Chipola coach Jeff Johnson, says, “Jose is one of the finest kids I’ve ever coached. He has made it in the professional ranks, but he has never forgotten where he came from. We are very proud of him.”
During his time in the majors, the 29 year-old has also played for the Pirates, the Orioles and the Royals.
For the latest news about Chipola Athletics, visit www.chipolaathletics.com.
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