The Gateway Grizzlies have signed first baseman Ben Waldrip to the 2014 roster.
Waldrip, 23, was drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the 10th round of the 2012 MLB Draft. The Moro, Ark. native spent two years in the Rockies organization, playing at Rookie Ball in 2012 and Low-A Tri-City and Single-A Asheville in 2013. Waldrip hit 10 home runs in 48 games during the 2012 season in the Pioneer League.
“We were looking for an experienced first baseman and Ben certainly fills that void,” Grizzlies eighth-year Manager Phil Warren said. “He’s a big first baseman with a lot of power.”
Waldrip played his final two years of college at Division I Jacksonville State University. In 103 career games with JSU he batted .337 with 28 home runs and 107 runs batted in. Waldrip belted 18 home runs during his senior season in 2012, which was good for fourth in the nation at Division I. He also drove in 61 runs in 53 games.
“Ben has the chance to come here and make an immediate impact,” Warren commented. “We feel like he will be a big part of our team this season.”
