(Waldorf, Md., Apr. 2, 2019) – The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs have announced their signing of John Hayes and Milton Perez.
The duo was acquired at the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball Player Showcase produced by Prospect Dugout, an organization co-founded by Blue Crabs’ player/hitting coach, Craig Maddox. The showcase took place March 29-31 at the TigerTown Complex in Lakeland, Florida, the Detroit Tigers’ home for Spring Training. More than 300 players attended, including many with MLB experience. In addition to all eight ALPB teams being present, more than two dozen MLB teams were represented at the showcase. 11 players were selected in the ALPB draft, including Hayes and Perez.
“The Player Showcase was a great success in all aspects,” said Atlantic League President Rick White. “Player participation exceeded our initial forecasts and was impressive, while Prospect Dugout did a terrific job organizing and running the event. We are grateful to everyone who took part.”
“Thank you to Atlantic League managers and coaches for their hard work and enthusiasm,” said Prospect Dugout Co-Founder Craig Maddox. “We also would like to extend our gratitude to TigerTown for their hospitality during the event.”
The Atlantic League and Prospect Dugout will announce plans for the 2020 Player Showcase in the coming months. Stay tuned to AtlanticLeague.com for further details.
The Blue Crabs’ first round draft pick John Hayes began his professional baseball career when he was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the 25th round of the 2016 June Amateur Draft out of Wichita State University. The right-hander’s athleticism extends far beyond the pitchers’ mound. He won state twice in the 400 meter-dash at Pottsboro High School (Texas), yet despite having scholarships to run track in college, Hayes decided to stick to baseball citing his dislike for running. Staying with baseball turned out to be a great decision for Hayes, considering a stellar career up to this point. 2019 marks the first non-affiliated season of his career, after spending the first three in the Tigers’ organization.
Southern Maryland’s second round draft pick, Milton Perez is a native of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, where he graduated from Liceo Aguadillano High School in 2015. He went on to attend Southwestern Community College in Creston, Iowa for one year, and subsequently attended Clarke College in Dubuque, Iowa.
“I was very impressed with the performance of Hayes in his pitching outing during the showcase this past weekend. He showed great angle on his pitches and attacked the zone!” said Manager Stan Cliburn. “Perez was solid behind the plate receiving the baseball and had solid at bats throughout the weekend! Two very talented young players.”
About Prospect Dugout
Prospect Dugout (“PD”) provides exposure, information, and instruction for baseball players seeking to transition to the next level of diamond sports development. PD resources benefit professional, college, high school, and youth baseball players.
Founded in 2015, Prospect Dugout connects diamond sports players and coaches around the world. A digital resource initially built to help aspiring high school players get exposure for college, Prospect Dugout now directly impacts all levels of baseball, including Major League Baseball.
About the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs
The Blue Crabs play 140 regular season games in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball Clubs. The Blue Crabs call Regency Furniture Stadium in Waldorf, Maryland home. The 12th franchise season will begin April 2019. For more information on the SOMD Blue Crabs, please call 301-638-9788 or visit http://www.somdbluecrabs.com for more information.
About the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB)
With eight teams in the Mid-Atlantic and Texas, the ALPB is a leader in baseball innovation and a player gateway to Major League Baseball. Through its exclusive partnership with MLB, the Atlantic League tests Major League Baseball rules and equipment initiatives. The Atlantic League has sent over 900 players to MLB organizations while drawing more than 40 million fans to its affordable, family-friendly ballparks throughout its 22-year history.
For more information, please visit www.AtlanticLeague.com.