Bowie Native Drafted by the Oakland Athletics

Matt Hillsinger is headed west.

The Bowie Native and Radford University senior outfielder was selected by the Oakland Athletics in the 22nd round of the Major League Baseball draft Wednesday, reported Radford.

Hillsinger, who was ranked eighth on Baseball America’s Big South top prospect list at the start of this season, suffered a late -season knee injury during the 2012 season, but still ended the year with a .321 average, eight home runs and career-high 37 runs batted in for the 50 games he played.

“Matt has had a great career at Radford,” Head Coach Joe Raccuia said in a release.  “He was a fantastic student and leader while he was here. He went from a skinny raw athlete to a physical player that will excel at the next level. We are extremely proud of Matt.”

For more on Hillsinger’s stats, read the full release here.