The Phillies 2017 first round pick is coming a lot closer to Philadelphia. Well, literally. After being selected eighth overall in the first round, outfielder Adam Haseley is already moving up the Phillies minor league system ranks. Originally assigned to the Gulf Coast League in Clearwater, Haseley is now headed north to report to the Williamsport Crosscutters.
The Gulf Coast League, which is the lowest level of professional baseball associated with Major League Baseball, is housed for the Phillies at the Carpenter Complex in Clearwater, on the back fields behind where the Clearwater Threshers play. The league is made up often of recently-signed or drafted players. Those who are advanced move from the Gulf Coast League to Williamsport, a short-season league. In the Gulf Coast League, Haseley played three games and had seven hits in 12 at bats.
Williamsport is currently home to many of the Phillies young prospects. Right now Williamsport is home to international free agent power bat Jhailyn Ortiz and 2016 third round draft pick Cole Stobbe.
The team plays at historic Bowman Field that dates back to 1923. A trip to Williamsport, just over three hours from Philadelphia, might be a worthwhile trip. While the ballpark is small, no frills, 2017 is a good opportunity to check out some young Phillies players. The Little League World Series Museum can also be on your list, as well as a number of other attractions.
