Braden River players moving on with careers

The Braden River High baseball program is young, but that hasn’t stopped the Pirates from sending quite a few players on to the next level.

At least four Pirates from this past season’s squad plan to play college ball next season and there could be a fifth with Stephen Fischer still exploring his options.

Pirates second baseman William Paterson recently finalized plans to play for Webber International University in Babson Park, according to Braden River head coach Ryan Hilton. Webber is an NAIA school that plays in the Sun Conference and finished last season with a 24-31 overall record.

“I think William will do well. He is a real hard worker and I believe he will adapt quickly because of his determination,” Hilton said.

Paterson started two years for the Pirates. Last season, he finished with a .346 batting average and .460 on-base percentage. He sparkled in the field showing an ability to cover a lot of ground and make the double play.

Other graduated seniors from the 2010 class who have finalized their college plans, include catcher Austin Platt, who is going to play at Florida State College in Jacksonville and Joey Meador, who plans to walk on at Santa Fe Community College in Gainesville.

Pirates ace pitcher Marc Monroe committed to Indian River Community College in Fort Pearce before the season started. The hard throwing lefty is a highly touted prospect who figures to do well at the next level.