White Sox take FMU's Greene

By: By Lou Bezjak Morning News | SCNOW
Published: June 07, 2008

Justin Greene’s speed helped earn him a spot on Francis Marion University’s roster.
But Greene’s all-around game helped him get a shot at playing professional baseball.
The Chicago White Sox selected the FMU outfielder in the 20th round of the Major League baseball draft Friday.
“I’m very excited,” said Greene, who learned he had been drafted while returning from a haircut. “I just wanted to get my foot in the door.”
Greene wasn’t the only Patriot taken on the second day. Right-hander David Walters was taken in the 47th round by the Braves. Walters, a junior has one more year of eligibility left and can return.
It was the first time FMU has had two players drafted in the same year and fifth straight season the Patriots had a player taken.
But many observers didn’t see this coming when Greene arrived in Florence.
After receiving no offers out of Stratford High School, Greene walked on at FMU, mainly because of his quickness.
“I personally thought I had more to offer than just speed,” Greene said.
Greene redshirted his freshman year and made an impression on the FMU coaching staff during a scrimmage the next season. He cracked the starting lineup early that year and became one of the team’s most consistent players.
Greene had his best season this year for the Patriots. He led the team in five offensive categories, including batting average (.384) and runs scored (54). He also hit eight homers and drove in 40 runs.
Greene, who hit higher than .300 in each of his four seasons, finished his career owning the school’s all-time records for runs scored (163), hit by pitch (48) and sacrifice hits (38).
“Justin has always been able to run,” FMU coach Art Inabinet said. “That kind of got the scouts attention, but he has matured as a hitter and defensive player.”
Inabinet said Greene’s biggest improvement was his ability to hit a breaking ball better, something he wasn’t able to do early in his career. The FMU coach also said Greene playing in summer wooden bat leagues also helped his development.
Greene played in the New England Wooden Bat League and also in the Coastal Plain League for the Columbia Blowfish.
Greene will likely begin his pro career in Bristol, Tenn., one of the White Sox’ Class A affiliates. The Bristol White Sox first game is June 17 against Johnson City.
Walters went 9-4 record and a 4.66 ERA. He fanned 91 batters in 92.2 innings, while walking only 27.

White Sox take FMU's Greene

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