A White Sox scout jotted down a few notes as he sat in the stands at UIC’s Les Miller Field during the Public League semi final game between Whitney Young and Simeon. Apparently, the scout liked what he saw. The White Sox in the recent Major League baseba
Kenner was taken in the 46th round while Florence was chosen in the 50th round. Also taken in the draft was Whitney Young third baseman Troy White, who was chosen in the 48th round by the Cleveland Indians. “The drafting of three of our players shows that Public League baseball is really moving up,” said Public League baseball coordinator Eddy Curry.
“People are starting to notice our kids.” White Sox player personnel director David Wilder says the Sox are taking a closer look in their own backyard when it comes to evaluating future major league talent. “Thanks to things like our own RBI (Reviving Baseball In the Inner City) program, baseball in the city has really improved,” Wilder said.
“You can plan on seeing more kids from the city getting drafted in the future.” Florence isn’t the first player from Simeon to get noticed in the drafted. Other former Wolverines taken in the draft were Wes Chamberlain and Jeff Jackson. Chamberlain went on to have a good major league career, playing in the 1993 World Series with the Philadelphia Phillies.
While Florence, Kenner is pleased to get drafted, you can expect them not to sign and attend college in the fall. Florence is headed to Grambling while Kenner will head to Long Island University. White is undecided where he will attend college, but among the schools he is considering is UIC. “The draft will still be there after college,” Florence said.
“Getting a education is what’s important. Morgan Park sophomore Nigel Jolly, the state champion in the long jump heads the 2008 Public League all-city boy’s track team. The team was announced by Track and field coordinator Thomas Smith.
Also chosen to the squad were Fenger sprinter Tony Bowman, the city champion in the 200 meters, Michelle Clark shot putter Alex King and Mather hurdler Roger Herard. The all-city girls’ team was also named and features Lane Tech sprinter Idia Omogiate and Whitney Young triple jumper Victoria Forte.
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