WildcatRick
07-06-2007, 12:11 PM
Ex-Cat Shelby finally used to minor-league grind
By Mark Maloney
In some ways, not much has changed about John Shelby since he left the University of Kentucky last year.
His mannerisms, including an ever-ready brilliant smile, still reflect a fine mixture of humility, confidence and charisma.
Yet, much has changed.
Shelby is in his first full season of professional baseball, in town as his Kannapolis Intimidators wrap up a series against the Lexington Legends tonight at Applebee's Park.
Through Wednesday, Shelby was hitting .280, with four homers, 29 RBI, 45 runs and 15 stolen bases over 73 games.
Along with playing for pay, Shelby said he's adjusted to the grind of a 140-game season and a new position.
Undrafted out of Tates Creek High School, Shelby blossomed during his sophomore season at UK, batting .344 with 10 homers.
As starting second baseman, he hit .291 with 18 homers, 56 RBI and 12 steals to help the Wildcats to their first Southeastern Conference championship in the program's 103-year history. The Chicago White Sox picked him in the fifth round of the 2006 draft.
UK's SEC champs compiled a 44-17 record.
http://www.kentucky.com/269/story/116711.html
By Mark Maloney
In some ways, not much has changed about John Shelby since he left the University of Kentucky last year.
His mannerisms, including an ever-ready brilliant smile, still reflect a fine mixture of humility, confidence and charisma.
Yet, much has changed.
Shelby is in his first full season of professional baseball, in town as his Kannapolis Intimidators wrap up a series against the Lexington Legends tonight at Applebee's Park.
Through Wednesday, Shelby was hitting .280, with four homers, 29 RBI, 45 runs and 15 stolen bases over 73 games.
Along with playing for pay, Shelby said he's adjusted to the grind of a 140-game season and a new position.
Undrafted out of Tates Creek High School, Shelby blossomed during his sophomore season at UK, batting .344 with 10 homers.
As starting second baseman, he hit .291 with 18 homers, 56 RBI and 12 steals to help the Wildcats to their first Southeastern Conference championship in the program's 103-year history. The Chicago White Sox picked him in the fifth round of the 2006 draft.
UK's SEC champs compiled a 44-17 record.
http://www.kentucky.com/269/story/116711.html