Robert Stephenson (baseball)
| Robert Stephenson | |
|---|---|
| Cincinnati Reds | |
| Pitcher | |
| Born: February 24, 1993 Martinez, California |
|
| Bats: Right | Throws: Right |
Robert William Stephenson (born February 24, 1993 in Martinez, California) is an American professional baseball player. As of 2012[update] he is a minor league baseball pitcher in the organization of the Cincinnati Reds.
Stephenson threw two consecutive no-hitters while in high school, and was named California's high school player of the year by Gatorade. The Reds drafted him in the first round of the 2011 Major League Baseball Draft, with the 27th overall selection.
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Career [edit]
Amateur career [edit]
Stephenson attended Alhambra High School in Martinez, California, which he graduated from with a 4.2 grade point average. Stephenson's senior season for the high school's baseball team began with two consecutive no-hitters.[1] He finished the season with a 8–2 win-loss record and 1.19 earned run average in 76 2⁄3 innings pitched.[2] He recorded 142 strikeouts, while walking 23 and allowing 29 hits. Alhambra reached the North Coast Section Division III playoffs' second round.[3]
Stephenson was named the Gatorade California Baseball Player of the Year.[3] He was rated by Baseball America as the 25th-best prospect in that year's draft,[1] and the 12th best right-handed pitching prospect in the draft.[4] He was invited to participate in the 2010 Aflac All-America Game; Stephenson was named the starting pitcher for the West Team and pitched two scoreless innings.[5] Stephenson committed to attend the University of Washington to play college baseball for the Washington Huskies baseball team.[2][5]
Professional career [edit]
Considered a possible first round selection,[6] the Reds selected Stephenson in the first round of the 2011 Major League Baseball (MLB) Draft, with the 27th overall selection. Stephenson became the Reds' first high school player chosen in the first round of the MLB Draft since they chose catcher Devin Mesoraco in the first round of the in 2007 Draft, and the first prep school pitcher the organization had chosen in the first round since the selection of Homer Bailey in the 2004 Draft.[1] Stephenson signed with the Reds for a reported $2 million signing bonus.[2] Baseball America rated Stephenson as one of the Reds' top ten prospects before the 2012 season, despite his not having made his professional debut.[7] Stephenson began the 2012 season in extended spring training.[8]
Stephenson made his professional debut with the Billings Mustangs of the Rookie-level Pioneer League on June 19, 2012. He pitched 5 innings and struck out 8.[9] In July, the Reds promoted Stephenson to the Dayton Dragons of the Class A Midwest League.[10] He continued playing for Dayton in 2013.[11]
References [edit]
- ^ a b c "Reds tab high school pitcher Robert Stephenson with 27th pick | MLB.com: News". Cincinnati.reds.mlb.com. Retrieved 2012-05-10.
- ^ a b c "Reds ink top Draft pick Robert Stephenson | reds.com: News". Cincinnati.reds.mlb.com. Retrieved 2012-05-10.
- ^ a b "Alhambra High's Robert Stephenson named California's Baseball Player of Year". Contra Costa Times. June 2, 2011. Retrieved May 10, 2012. (subscription required)
- ^ Poe, Doug (2012-05-03). "Reds' No. 1 draft pick offers optimism for current team: A fan's reaction – MLB – Yahoo! Sports". Sports.yahoo.com. Retrieved 2012-05-10.
- ^ a b "Alhambra's Robert Stephenson continues to impress". Martineznewsgazette.com. 2010-08-22. Retrieved 2012-05-10.
- ^ "Alhambra High's Robert Stephenson, Bishop O'Dowd's Joe Ross hope to get early phone call in Major League Baseball draft". Contra Costa Times. June 5, 2011. Retrieved May 10, 2012. (subscription required)
- ^ "Reds farm system remains strong". Springfieldnewssun.com. 2012-04-16. Retrieved 2012-05-10.
- ^ "Scout.com: Stephenson Awaits Pro Debut". Sfgiants.scout.com. 2012-04-26. Retrieved 2012-05-10.
- ^ "Robert Stephenson Stats, Bio, Photos, Highlights | MiLB.com Stats | The Official Site of Minor League Baseball". Milb.com. 1993-02-24. Retrieved 2013-04-10.
- ^ Raymond, Jonathan (2012-07-28). "Stephenson shines in Class A debut | MiLB.com News | The Official Site of Minor League Baseball". Milb.com. Retrieved 2013-04-10.
- ^ http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130523&content_id=48279638&fext=.jsp&vkey=news_milb&sid=milb
External links [edit]
- Career statistics and player information from Baseball-Reference (Minors)
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