This week we are catching up with former Waterloo Bucks outfielder John Shelby. The Chicago White Sox drafted the Baltimore, Maryland native in the 5th round of the 2006 MLB First Year Player Draft. Since being drafted, Shelby has been working his way through Chicago’s minor league system, seeing action at their Double A Birmingham Barons team in 2009 and 2010.
In 2009 Shelby appeared in 115 games this past season for the Barons of the Southern League. Shelby hit .243 in 428 at bats, accumulating 104 hits, 10 home runs, 32 doubles, and driving in 49 runs. The former Kentucky Wildcat was also a force to be reckoned with on the base paths, recording 30 stolen bases on the year.
This past year Shelby appeared in 111 games for the Barons where he hit .249 in 398 at bats, clubbing 99 hits, 11 home runs, 18 doubles, 7 triples and driving in 43 runs. Shelby also was able to steal 15 bases in 24 attempts.
Shelby played for Waterloo in 2004 where he appeared in 61 games for the Bucks. During his time with the Bucks, Shelby hit .274 in 262 plate appearances, amassing 60 hits, 6 home runs, 10 doubles, and 30 run brought in. He also swiped 15 bags while sporting a .364 on base percentage.
Check waterloobucks.com every Wednesday for “Catching Up with the Bucks.”