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December 6, 1937

United Leagues Holds Inaugural Amateur Draft

Brunswick, Perth (BP) – The United Leagues took some time out from playing baseball to conduct the 1937 Amateur Draft, the first in league history. General Managers and other team representatives converged at the YMCA auditorium in Brunswick on December 6 to select from roughly 130 eligible young hopefuls, from Braeland’s college and high school ranks, as well as players from overseas.

The draft consisted of 8 rounds, with the order of selection determined by team performance over the first two months of the 1937 season. On that basis, the Braeland City Monarchs ‘earned’ the 1st overall selection, followed by the Cambria Cannons.

Here is a brief look at the athletes selected in the first round:

1st pick:



Braeland City Monarchs – 2B Trevor Bolen (22/78) – Canadian Trevor Bolen earned the distinction of becoming the first player selected in the United Leagues Amateur Draft. Bolen is projected to hit for high contact (40/65) with some power (25/40) and a lot of speed (speed-60/stealing-70/baserunning-55).
Defensively, he will not embarrass himself (2B-60/LF-30). He is also appreciated for his baseball smarts and as having a reputation as a team leader.
The switch-hitting Bolen is expected to join the club immediately with a chance to start and lead off against left-handers.

2nd pick:



Cambria Cannons – OF Ron Westmacott (23/80) – the first Braelander and Stratfordite selected, Westmacott should be an offensive force, boasting solid contact (45/60) and outstanding power potential (30/50). He also projects to be an outstanding base stealer (speed-70/stealing-75/baserunning-65).
Defensively, he looks to be average to slightly below average (LF-55/CF-45/RF-50). He comes with a reputation as being a good influence on his teammates.
The left-handed Westmacott will join the Cannons and begin his career as their fourth outfielder.

3rd pick:



Pulberry Trolleys – IF Colin Strudwick (22/75) – Strudwick’s vision will be his greatest strength. He projects to hit for high contact (45/65), but don’t expect much power (25/30). He has above average speed, but will need to work on his base running skills (speed-70/stealing-55/baserunning-25).
Strudwick should acquit himself fine defensively, especially at shortstop (2B-45/SS-55). He is noted for his strong work ethic and baseball smarts, constantly studying up on his opponents.
It’s expected Strudwick will start with Pulberry’s AA team, the Hopetown Islanders.

4th pick:



Brunswick Legends – SP LHP Anastasio Rodríguez (45/79) – The first pitcher selected in the draft, the Panamanian Rodríguez combines good stuff (40/45) with great movement (60/70) and very good control (40/65). A groundball pitcher that can through into the low 90’s, the left-handed Rodríguez main pitches are the sinker and forkball, backed by a slider and a developing changeup.
A quiet and introverted fellow, Rodríguez will start off working out of the bullpen for the Legends.

5th pick:



Balmoral Giants – 1B Jim Friend (23/74) – the left-handed Friend brings with him a tremendous offensive package, with outstanding contact (45/60), gap power (50/50) and plate discipline (55/70). Friend looks to be the Giants’ clean-up hitter of the future. Friend will start off in AA, with the Georgetown Goldbugs.

Here are the rest of the first round selections:

6th pick:



Fort Richmond Generals – SP RHP Oscar Burruss (63/78) – stuff (40/50), movement (65/70) and control (35/55). His makeup is a serious concern to a number of scouts.

7th pick:



Wellington Athletics – SP RHP Kelvin Hutchinson (21/77) – stuff (35/40), movement (65/75) and control (30/55). A baseball rat.

8th pick:



Stratford Barons – SP RHP Denzel Vyse (21/74) - stuff (30/50), movement (60/70) and control (30/50). Introverted.

9th pick:



Wolseley Unions – SP RHP Luke Woodward (21/67) – stuff (35/45), movement (50/65) and control (25/55). His drive to make the most of his tools is a concern.

10th pick:



Hespeler Stars – OF Steven Winstanley (23/67) – contact (45/60), gap power (45/55) and eye (40/55). A good influence.

11th pick:



Downie Chiefs – OF Bert Helmer (21/74) – contact (35/65), gap power (40/55) and eye (25/40). A baseball rat.

12th pick:



Cobourg Red Stockings – IF Dennis Borton (21/68) – contact (35/60), gap power (40/55) and eye (30/45). Introverted.

13th pick:



Embro Suns – SP RHP Aaron Saunderson (20/76) – stuff (30/40), movement (60/70) and control (25/55). A good influence.

14th pick:



Sherburn Tigers – SP RHP Myung-gu Son (20/64) – stuff (35/45), movement (55/65) and control (35/50). Quiet and all business.

15th pick:



Queensland Eagles – IF Jim List (21/53) – contact (35/55), gap power (40/55) and eye (25/40). Likes to write dynasties, I mean, short stories when not playing the game.

16th pick:



Kingston Pelicans – RP RHP Dean Stroud (20/79) – stuff (35/45), movement (55/70) and control (20/50). Everyday kid.