Hoppy named WNY Player of the Year
The signs kind of point to Kyle Hoppy honoring his commitment to Bucknell and not signing a professional baseball contract with the Baltimore Orioles. The O's drafted the Orchard Park center fielder in the 28th round with the 836th overall pick. It's doubtful the Orioles will give Hoppy the kind of money he'll need to turn away from four years a Bucknell at an annual cost of $48,000.
Hoppy would be taking a huge chance that he could beat the huge odds of having a lengthy big league career. Makes sense except for the fact Hoppy got a taste of the big leagues when he went to Baltimore and worked out for the team prior to the draft at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. There's something about taking BP in a big league park that stays in a young man's head.
"It was awesome, just having 10 scouts there watching you. You got to show off your skills and it was such a great feeling, and I'm glad I got it in because it was raining that day," said Hoppy. "I hit a couple over the fence. I don't know, it was incredible being there. And being in the outfield retrieving balls the other kids were hitting and they had me throwing from the outfield. It just felt like I belonged there."
Hoppy was named the Western New York Player of the Year. Click here for the story and here for a complete list of all-league performers.
---Mary Jo Monnin
When you get to this level it's not a stupid move to concentrate on one sport. If they give him college money and a signing bonus he should follow his dream.
Posted by: fan | July 13, 2009 at 11:19 AM
no the cornell cup league is just a joke for baseball.
Posted by: fan | July 09, 2009 at 12:39 PM
It's hard to believe none of the Cornell Cup all - high players were good enough to make all - western new york or even the baseball honor roll or honorable mention? Is this another example of favoritism toward suburban schools?
Posted by: Larry Sherlick | July 08, 2009 at 06:40 PM
Hoppy should deff go to bucknell. He has a chance to play two sports at a division one school. If he doesnt go that is a stupid move.
Posted by: baseballfan | July 07, 2009 at 07:43 PM
The round your drafted in does not matter. Most High school kids fall in rounds because ther demands are so high. If they do sign it's because there demands are met. They are called over slot picks. Looks like that may be Hoppy's situation.To be drafted in 836 overall is really impressive for an area that is not highly exposed.
Posted by: mike h | July 03, 2009 at 05:06 PM
I hope he doesn't go pro. That would be an amazingly short-sighted decision, considering that the probability of a 28th round pick having a good major league career is well under 1%. The nominal value of his Bucknell scholarship is $200,000 - but it is really worth more than that considering that Bucknell graduates are among the highest earners in the nation at mid-career. Higher than half of the Ivy League.
Also don't forget that he can still go pro after three or four years at Bucknell. Bucknell has had two players in the majors over the past five years, and their league has players drafted every year.
Posted by: John C | July 03, 2009 at 02:39 PM
Hope he goes Pro.If anyone can make it he can. I wish him luck he's a great kid.
Posted by: John | July 03, 2009 at 12:01 PM