Golden became the first player from Wetumpka selected in the MLB draft since 1986. (Staff Photo)

Staff Report
(June 9, 2010)

WETUMPKA - Reggie Golden went to bed on Monday night still wondering where he would play baseball in the immediate future.

Early Tuesday, the decision became a little more clear.

Golden, considered the top high school prospect in the state of Alabama this year, was chosen 65th (second round) by the Chicago Cubs. He now faces the decision of whether to sign or spend the next three years at the University of Alabama.

“It’s exciting,” Golden said. “I waited through Monday’s round but wasn’t worried. I knew my name would be called.”

Golden watched the Major League Baseball First-year Player Draft with several friends at a gathering at the Wetumpka Civic Center on Monday but did not hear his name called. He said he went to bed that evening without worries.

“It was a matter of time,” he said. “I really didn’t care who got me. I just want to play.”

According to his high school baseball coach, Golden is the first player to be drafted from the Wetumpka High School program since 1986. The last to be drafted – Ray Mullino. He also was picked by the Cubs in the 23rd round

“I was the last one,” Mullino said. “So, Reggie breaks a long string. We’ve had some good ones around here so maybe this will start a trend.”

If Golden signs, he can expect a large bonus more than likely in the range of $600,000-900,000.

“Since he is a high school player, he has a little more bargining power,” Mullino said. “If he was in college, he wouldn’t have many choices.

Golden would not commit to what he would do. But Mullino expects him to sign with the Cubs.

“That’s been his goal,” Mullino said. “I think he has a great chance and that’s a good organization.

“If he does sign, we can hopefully see him play around here in a few years (at Riverwalk Stadium).”

The Cubs’ Double A team Tennessee plays in the Southern League.

Other local players were taken on Tuesday including former Prattville High School pitcher Andrew Morris by Milwaukee in the 16th round; another former Prattville Lion, Tyler Norwood, was taken by the San Diego Padres in the 19th round and former Stanhope Elmore and Auburn catcher Ryan Jenkins  was selected by Kansas City in the 17th round.