ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. − Flagler College’s
Cale Owen (Clearwater, Fla./home school) has signed a free agent contract with the Philadelphia Phillies and will report to the team’s Gulf Coast League affiliate in Clearwater.
“I am extremely blessed and would like to thank God for this opportunity to play close to home,” said Owen. “I am excited about having the chance to play.”
Owen, a 5-foot-9 shortstop, was a second-team All-Peach Belt Conference selection this year and also made the all-tournament team. This past season, he was second on the team in batting with a .348 average and in hits with 69. His 60 singles ranked third in a season at Flagler. Owen led the team with 40 runs scored and tied for the team lead with 24 walks. He also led the club with a .427 on-base percentage. Owen also had the second longest hitting streak, 16 games, of the season for the Saints. He set the school record for assists in a season with 171, besting former Flagler great Chris Barnwell who went on to become the school’s first professional baseball player when he played for the Milwaukee Brewers by one.
Owen batted .312 during his four-year career with Flagler. He finished tied for eighth all-time with 118 runs scored and fifth with 148 singles. Owen’s trademark was his work with his glove. He finished second all-time at Flagler in assists with 498, trailing only Barnwell. Owen is also the program’s all-time leader in double plays turned with 105.
Owen becomes the 27th player from Flagler to play professional baseball and the second player off the 2010 squad, joining Johnny Gaines who signed with the independent Oakland County Cruisers.