Two Salisbury School athletes taken in MLB draft

SALISBURY — The dreams of two Salisbury School baseball players became reality this year when both were  taken in this year’s Major League Baseball summer draft. Pitcher Christopher Dwyer and shortstop Anthony Hewitt will now play professionally.

Hewitt edged out his teammate in the draft by being selected in the first round with the 24th pick by the Philadelphia Phillies. His play, both offensively and defensively, helped Salisbury to their first undefeated season (20-0) in decades.

With a win over Suffield, Salisbury clinched the Connatonic League title. According to the school’s Web site, scouts seemed to be most impressed with Hewitt’s powerful bat and composure. Despite being accepted at Vanderbilt University, it is uncertain at this point whether Hewitt will continue on to college or jump to the majors.

“We are all proud of Anthony and his accomplishments,â€� said Tim Sinclair, Salisbury School athletic director. “It has been a lifelong dream of his to play Major League ball.  This, coming on the heels of a historic 20-0 championship season, is a wonderful way to conclude a high school baseball career. Anthony is a wonderful example of what Salisbury School baseball is all about.â€�

Dwyer, who had a stellar season, was drafted in the 36th round by the New York Yankees. Growing up in Swampscott, Mass., Dwyer has been a lifelong Boston Red Sox fan. Being drafted by his team’s bitter rival? Certainly ironic.

Dwyer was awarded Most Valuable Player in both baseball and football, also known at the school as the Boyce-Stern Award. Many close to Dwyer think he was chosen later than expected because of his commitment to play for the Clemson University Tigers baseball team in the fall rather than skipping a collegiate career and heading straight to pro ball.