We always celebrate here at All Things Valley League when a former player from the VBL makes the major leagues- so we're celebrating tonight!
Yesterday afternoon, former Luray Wrangler Brian Bocock (04) started at shortstop for the San Francisco Giants, the end result of a meteoric rise through the Giants' system. Brian was drafted out of Stetson in the 9th round in the 2006 draft. In 2006, Bocock was assigned to Salem-Keizer in the Northwest League, where he hit 223/305/282. He received a late-season promotion to Augusta.
In 2007, he started at Augusta, and he hit very well, going 292/354/379. He was again promoted mid-year, this time to San Jose, in the California League. He finished out 2007 hitting 220/293/328. A highlight of his year was his opportunity to represent San Francisco in the Futures Game.
Today, Bocock started at shortstop and batted 8th in the lineup against the Los Angeles Dodgers. He had his first plate appearance in the 3rd inning against Brad Penny, and Brian worked a walk. In the 5th, he grounded out to third base, and he walked again in the 8th, only to get picked off by Dodger pitcher Joe Beimel.
Regardless, Brian Bocock will now have a permanent entry in the Baseball Encyclopedia and baseball reference! Congratulations, Brian!
As much as its never as exciting for me when its a Wrangler, I did think it was pretty cool last week when I randomly turned on ESPN and saw a face I recognized. I am happy for him. He really does seem to be a pretty dynamite shortstop.
Posted by: Anna Kipps | April 01, 2008 at 01:24 PM