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Twins sign First-Round draft pick Byron Buxton

High School Outfielder drafted with the Second Overall Pick in the 2012 First-Year Player Draft

Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN - The Minnesota Twins announced today the signing of outfielder Byron Buxton from Appling County High School in Baxley, Georgia, who they selected with the second overall pick in the 2012 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft.

The 18-year old was the top ranked high school prospect in the country by Baseball America. He was named the 2011-2012 Gatorade Georgia Player of the Year after leading Appling County High School to the Georgia Class AA State Championship this season.

The First-Team Rawlings Preseason All-American hit .513 with 17 doubles, three home runs, 35 rbi and 38 stolen bases during his senior season. On the mound, Buxton was 10-1 with five saves, and 154 strikeouts in 81.0 innings pitched. In the deciding game of the Georgia Class AA State Championship Series, Buxton struck out 18 batters while pitching 7.0 innings.

Byron Buxton was recommended by Twins scout Jack Powell and will report to the Gulf Coast League (GCL) Twins.

ABOUT THE PICK
BYRON BUXTON
Bats/Throws: R/R
Height/Weight: 6-2, 185
Birth Date: 12/18/1993
Hometown: Baxley, GA

Buxton becomes the Twins' highest draft pick since they selected Joe Mauer with the number one pick in the 2001 First-Year Player Draft. This marks the third time the Twins have had the number two overall selection (2000 and 1996) in the draft.

Read More: Minnesota Twins