Hyde's dream to play for Braves comes true

Thu, 06/08/2006 - 8:26am
By: Michael Boylan

Lee Hyde, a Fayette County graduate currently pitching for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, knew that several major league teams were interested in drafting him, one of which was his beloved hometown Atlanta Braves. Hyde could do nothing though in the weeks and days leading up to the Major League Baseball draft but be himself and wait and see who would choose him come draft day.

On Tuesday morning, Hyde went golfing with his stepdad and brother, partially to avoid sitting around the house and waiting for the draft to start. When the draft finally started that afternoon, he and his family sat in front of the internet and began to watch. Rounds passed and soon Hyde had to leave for baseball practice. He hadn't heard his name yet, but he didn't want to get stuck in traffic and arrive late for practice.

"I was on the interstate when my mom called me and let me know that I was selected by the Braves," Hyde said. "I had to pull over to avoid wrecking."

Hyde was the 130th pick overall. A left handed pitcher, Hyde, 6'2, 185 pounds, pitched in 71.1 innings and recorded a 3.15 ERA while earning 58 strikeouts.

Hyde grew up watching the Braves and was excited to get the opportunity to play for them. No details have been worked out with the team yet as Hyde and the Yellow Jackets are still in the hunt for a bid to the College World Series. Georgia Tech will host the College of Charleston starting Friday and the winner of the series will make it to Omaha. Hyde is scheduled to start Saturday's game.

"I'm excited to be drafted by the Braves, but my focus right now is on helping my team make the College World Series," Hyde said. He is 5-0 this year and has pitched as both a starter and a relief pitcher for the Yellow Jackets this season.

Since the announcement of his selection in the draft, Hyde has received phone calls and text messages from friends and family and he added that his mother and girlfriend are excited that he will be playing close to home. He is only a junior at Georgia Tech but plans on playing baseball and finishing his college career later.

Georgia Tech will face the College of Charleston, Friday through Sunday.

Tournament books only are available for advance purchase and are on sale now, on-line at www.ramblinwreck.com or at the Georgia Tech Ticket Office (1.888.TECH.TIX).

Tickets ordered on-line or by phone can picked up at the Russ Chandler Stadium Will Call (Gate 3, Third Base Side) beginning 90 minutes prior to the first game. Season ticket holders who preordered Super Regional tickets can also pick those up in advance at the Georgia Tech Ticket Office (8 a.m. - 5 p.m.).

Single-game tickets for Friday and Saturday, if available, will go on sale Friday at the Russ Chandler Stadium ticket booth (cash only), beginning at 10:30 a.m.

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