Appling County graduate Byron Buxton's life changed in an instance Monday night in Baxley as the one of the top prospect's in the 2012 MLB Draft. The scene was a cheerful one in Baxley moments after Buxton was selected second overall by the Minnesota Twins.
Many projected Buxton to be the number one overall pick but that didn't stop the hundreds in attendance to stand to their feet and cheer when the MLB Network did a live cut in on the crowd.
Buxton had a .513 average as a senior this past season and wowed major league recruits after he sent bombs over the fence during the home run derby at last summer's Under Armour All-America Game at Wrigley Field in Chicago.
He says the moment his name was called was a feeling he's never experienced in his life.
Buxton said "Best feeling I've had since I've been living. I don't know its indescribable. My heart was beating 90 to nothing. I couldn't think straight I was just so happy."
Felton Buxton said "A lot of days in the backyard while he was coming up. Beating the grass down, a lot of days went to the batting cages, getting in and out of the truck. He's a special kid."
Appling County head coach Jeremy Smith "I think Minnesota has got themselves a great baseball player. Not only a great baseball player but a great kid."
Under new rules, teams have until July 13th to sign their draft picks. Buxton signed with Georgia in November.
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