We're going even further up the ladder to the second Winchester Royal named to ATVL's top hitters list: #5 Mickey Wiswall.
Mickey had a fantastic year for the Royals, hitting 336/408/557, with 8 doubles, a triple, 7 home runs, 36 RBI, and a 8/32 BB/K ratio. He finished 6th in batting average, 5th in slugging percentage, tied for 3rd in RBI, and also tied for 3rd in hit-by-pitches (with 9).
Wiswall was voted the first team All-League third baseman, and also played in the All-Star game in Covington, where he just about took Jerry Carter's head off with a foul line drive. (Jerry collected the ball, if I remember correctly, and got Mickey to sign it.)
Mickey hit very well as a true freshman for Boston College, finishing at 306/374/461 in 180 at-bats, with 12 doubles, 2 triples, 4 home runs, and a 15/34 BB/K ratio. In the Big East ACC as a freshman- not bad!
Baseball America also recognized Mickey's potential when they named him the #9 hitter in the league with the following writeup:
Yup, that's right, he pounded three home runs in one game. He went 3-5 with all 5 RBI in a 5-3 Winchester win. To see the boxscore, click here.
Mickey, currently under contract to play for the Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox on the Cape next summer, had a good experience in the Valley, saying, "The Valley League was one of the best experiences of my baseball career. It helped me mature as a player, and improve my game playing along with and against some of the best college players in the nation. I would not trade my experience for anything, and want to thank my coaches, my teammates, and my host family for making this the best summer possible."
I think it's safe to say that everyone, except maybe opposing pitchers, feels the same.
The game where Mickey hit the three dingers was the day game vs. Harrisonburg. More amazing then the three shots was the smile on his face while talking about it right after.As far as the ball goes,Rebecca has that one sitting on her dresser at UVA.
Nice work John!
Posted by: Jerry Carter | December 11, 2008 at 11:29 AM
I can say Wiswall was one of the best batters I seen in the league too. I did see him hit a HR against the Generals in Winchester and do remember he did well for BC against UVA too. Wish him the best of luck.
Posted by: GeneralsSignGuyMike | December 11, 2008 at 12:46 PM
He is also a very fine young man to go along with his baseball abilities. He has a very pure stroke and an outstanding arm, I am not sure why he doesn't pitch more than he does. Mickey will do well at all levels and it was a pleasure to have him at Winchester.
Posted by: Baseball fan | December 12, 2008 at 01:17 PM