Reggie Golden has put up impressive numbers for Wetumpka. He is garnering attention from college and pro scouts. (Staff Photo)

By Graham Dunn
RRS Editor

WETUMPKA -  It would be too easy to make comparisons when watching Wetumpka outfielder Reggie Golden swing the bat. Then watch him run as the ball sails over the fence at Bazemore Field.

Can it be… Vincent “Bo” Jackson?

Some might say too worthy of a comparison, at least right now. Besides, he is just a junior.

But the accolades are piling up rather quickly.

“He is a special player, a special person, a real good kid,” Wetumpka coach Ray Mullino, who has the Indians off to a solid 5-1 start heading into this week’s FCA Jason Armstrong Tournament. 

“He’s been a joy to coach. He has gotten so much attention that you would think that would go to his head but he has good parents who keep him grounded.”

Golden is a five-tool player who has the arm, the strength and speed (against LAMP last week, he beat out a routine grounder to second for an infield single). He enters the FCA Tourney having already hit five home runs. The number includes three hit in the doubleheader sweep of LAMP last week.

It all plays a large part in why he chose to give up the South’s No. 1 sport – football. That is also where the Bo Jackson comparison can end.

“Yeah, it’s unlike most players but I felt like my future was in baseball,” he said. “It was a decision that I made on my own. I like football but I thought it was best if I concentrate on baseball.”

The college scouts agree with his decision. Golden already has the attention of nearly every school in the Southeastern Conference. Pro scouts know about him, too. But he claims he is more interested in playing college ball, at least right now.

“I really want to play in college,” he said.  “I really don’t know where I want to go. I have time to make that decision. I just want to go out and play right now.”

Golden spent most of last summer touring the nation and participating in several camps. He was invited to the Tournament of Stars event in North Carolina, the only player selected from the state of Alabama.

He also spent time in California as part of the Major League sponsored RBI Series as one of about 60 players to participate. He also tried out for the Junior Olympic team last June.

“It was a busy summer,” Golden said. “I got to see a lot of place I hadn’t been. I enjoyed all of it, though.”

According to Mullino, Golden can throw it 90-plus miles an hour off the mound. “He just doesn’t know where it is going,” Mullino said.

“He is the type of player who can do almost anything on the diamond. He is a terrific outfielder and that’s where I think his future will be. He has so much speed that he can run anything down out there.”

As for the next level, whether that is college or pro, Golden says he is going to wait and see what options he has before making any decisions.

“I am in no hurry,” he said.  “I just want to go out and help Wetumpka win a state championship first. Next year, I will have to make a decision.”

The Indians face St. James on Wednesday at 3 p.m. at Riverwalk Stadium.