Did You Know An MLB Prospect Lives In Soulard?

Credit: Cougarbaseball.com

How many of you know that an Islander is pitching in the Kansas City Royals organization? Spencer Patton moved to Soulard in May of 2010 with his fiance, Jiletta. Jiletta currently works at our local Llywelyn's while Spencer is off pitching with the Royals' Idaho Falls, Idaho Rookie League team.

Spencer was taken in the 24th Round of the 2011 MLB Draft after finishing his pitching career at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville (SIU-E) that included one of the best seasons in the history of the program.  Spencer went 9-3 in his senior season with a 2.55 ERA.  He struck out 109 batters, which is the 2nd most in SIU-E history.  The American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) awarded him a Rawlings' Gold Glove after the season.  He committed no errors in 27 chances over the course of the season. The last player from SIU-E to be selected was in the 2006 MLB Draft.

Pitching for Idaho Falls in the Pioneer League, Patton is 2-1 with a 3.58 ERA and 2 Saves in 18 appearances. He has 52 strikeouts in 37.2 innings pitched. (Baseball-Reference.com)

Spencer and Jiletta will become Mr. and Mrs. Patton on October 1, 2011.