Gray Signs with Chipola Indians
Written By: Michael Cascone
Website Reporter
Team Ontario Senior Cameron Gray has signed with Chipola Junior College in Marianna, Florida. The right-handed pitcher is a Toronto native and boasts an overpowering fastball, one of the reasons Chipola has been actively pursuing him.
Another reason is his extensive baseball credentials. Cameron was an integral member of the Ontario Youth Team, which won gold at the Canadian National Championships this past summer. Due to his strong performance at the Canadian Nationals and his dominance on the mound for Team Ontario over the past seasons, Cameron was also selected for the Canadian Junior National Baseball Team. This is a huge honour and a select few are chosen to play for the squad.
Baseball America has also taken note of Cameron’s successes. He was ranked as the 102nd best high school prospect on Baseball America’s Top 250 list. This is an exceptional ranking for a Canadian, and he is 42nd among the top 85 high school pitchers.
Gray’s choice to go to Chipola was made easier after looking at the success of their baseball program. The Indians have managed to dominate the Panhandle Conference in past years, winning it in 2001, 2003, 2005, and 2006.
This year alone, three recent Chipola graduates have signed National Letters of Intent with major American Division I Universities. The school is renowned for its strong recruiting classes and success of its players.
Chipola can also boast 22 players currently in the professional baseball ranks. This includes three major leaguers: Rusell Martin of the Los Angeles Dodgers (who was included in last season’s National League Rookie of the Year voting), Adam Loewen of the Baltimore Orioles (the highest drafted Canadian in professional baseball history), and Jose Bautista of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Since 1983, a plethora of Indians have progressed throughout the professional ranks.
Cameron looks to help guide the Indians to another Panhandle Conference championship and become a leader on the strong team. Team Ontario is proud of Cameron’s accomplishments, and is confident his talent and hardworking ethic will allow him to succeed in his endeavours with the Indians and beyond.
