J.T. Watkins
J.T. Watkins after his last game with the Spinners
So on Sunday while sitting in the stands at LeLacheur Park before the game, the announcement was made that Sunday’s game would be the last for Spinners catcher J.T. Watkins. He isn’t going to another team or back to school, the 22 year-old United States Military Academy graduate reported for active duty with the U.S. Army on Monday and will be out of baseball for at least the next two years.
The Red Sox drafted Watkins, the son of Red Sox scout Danny Watkins, back in June. He’s a decent player and a fan favorite so in a world where everyone likes to point out how spoiled and selfish baseball players are I think it’s well worth it to acknowledge what this kid is doing.
Sadly he went 0-3 in his final game with Lowell. But he was the player of the game and afterward had kind words about his time with the Spinners:
“It’s been a great run,” Watkins told the crowd, which broke the record of 5,420 set against Aberdeen on July 15, 2009. “Hopefully I’ll have a chance to come back.”
I hope so too.
God be with you, Lieutenant Watkins. And may you return safe and sound and back behind the plate when your service is completed.