The road to the “Show” runs through Lexington County.

Such a statement rings very true when it comes to the Major League Baseball draft and the Lexington County Blowfish. Recent history has seen several college players who’ve crafted their trade during a summer stint in Lexington develop into pro prospects.

This past week saw 8 former Blowfish players selected in this year’s draft. The number included 4 University of South Carolina players (Brett Kerry, Wes Clarke, Brady Allen, Andrew Peters) who played on last year’s team under Matt Padgett.

The other 4 selected were pitchers RJ Petit (Charleston Southern), who pitched last season, Shane Connelly (Virginia Tech), Christian Edwards (Jacksonville State) and Mack Anglin (Clemson).

“A joy to watch”

Seeing top talent advance in their baseball careers is nothing new for Blowfish co-owner Bill Shanahan. From seeing future pros like Eric Davis, Bill Landrum and John Franco while working with the Cincinnati Reds’ Triple A team to even a Hall of Famer like Ken Griffey Jr. at a lower level, Shanahan calls it as 1 of the biggest job satisfactions from his longtime involvement in the sport.

“Being in minor league baseball for over 3 decades and being in (the Coastal Plain League) for 15 years, it’s really been a joy to watch these young men,” he said. “They’re in the development stages. They’re learning to hone their skills and we’re getting a chance to see them before they make the big time, before they get to “The Show” or in many cases, just to the pros.

“In summer collegiate baseball, they’re getting to use a wood bat and this is the 1st time they’re really using a wood bat which is going to help them because that’s what they use in the pros.”

Former Lexington County head coach Jonathan Johnson has also coached his share of drafted former Blowfish players. There are currently 4 - outfielder Chas McCormick (Houston Astros) and pitchers Taylor Widener (Arizona Cardinals), Will Crowe (Pittsburgh Pirates) and Charlie Barnes (Minnesota Twins) - who are on MLB rosters.

“Filling the Void”

Johnson saw the gradual increase of players selected from none his 1st year to averaging 6-8 his last 4 seasons. 1st season when none were taken in the draft.

“It’s exciting seeing these guys at this level and the development side of it,” Johnson said. “The exposure side of it is so big because for years the only place a college player felt like he could get exposed was the Cape Cod League and (Commissioner) Justin Sellers has done such a great job and there’s so many great owners like Bill (Shanahan) that have done such a good job of keeping a good integrity of baseball here in the Coastal Plain League that allows these kids to have a good safe environment, good weather, good coaching, good instruction, good atmosphere that allows them to showcase themselves in front of these scouts.”

With MLB downsizing its minor league teams, Johnson sees summer leagues like the CPL “filling that void” for those players at smaller college schools who lack exposure.

Along with the playing experience, Shanahan also said developing lifelong friendships and learning to travel long distances by bus are other pluses from competing in the CPL.

As for the future, Shanahan can see potential draftees in the coming years from this year’s team. Among those statistically who’ve stood out are Clemson pitchers Tyler Olenchuk of Dutch Fork, Ricky Williams of River Bluff and outfielder Dylan Brewer along with pitchers Dalton Mims of Airport and Garrett Houston and infielder Brock Vradenburg and outfielder Colby Seltzer.

Make or Break Time

Along with the draft, other good news this week saw the Blowfish set a team record with 7 straight victories.

Although the streak ended with this past Saturday’s 1-0 loss at Macon, Lexington County remained ½ game out of 1st place in the 2nd half West Division standings behind Savannah prior to Tuesday.

On Wednesday, Lexington County began a stretch of 6 games in 6 nights with 3 of the next 4 games against the Bananas, 2 at home. The Blowfish broke an 0-7 streak against Savannah this season with a 7-2 road win in their last meeting.

In addition to the Bananas, High Point-Thomasville remains very much in contention in 3rd place. The HiToms also held a 1 ½ game overall lead over the Blowfish for the 2nd Petitt Cup playoff berth if Savannah also wins the 2nd half division title.

The 2 teams do not face each other this season.

Keep up with the latest standings at www.coastalplain.com. For the latest Blowfish news, visit www.goblowfishbaseball.com .

REMAINING GAMES

(All Games start at 7:05 pm)

THURSDAY - at Forest City

FRIDAY - SAVANNAH

SATURDAY - at Savannah

SUNDAY - at Spartanburg

MONDAY - at Florence

JULY 29 - SPARTANBURGERS

JULY 30 - at Spartanburgers

JULY 31 - SAVANNAH