June 9, 2005
WEST POINT, N.Y. - When Schuyler Williamson walked off the field at Dick Howser Stadium Sunday following Army's appearance at the Tallahassee Regional, Army's senior catcher wasn't sure if he'd ever play competitive baseball again.
Williamson will be provided the opportunity to extend his baseball career after he was selected in the 26th round of the First Year Player Draft by the Detroit Tigers on Wednesday.
The native of Pensacola, Fla. (Pensacola Catholic H.S.), concluded his West Point baseball career as the holder of 15 Academy single game and career records. He surpassed seven Army career records this spring and graduated as the Black Knights' all-time leader in at-bats, runs scored, total bases, games played, multiple-home run games, runners thrown out trying to steal and percentage of runners thrown out trying to steal.
"I am very excited to have the opportunity to play professional baseball," Williamson said. "I would have been happy whether I was selected or not. The way I looked at it is that I have a great career in the Army and now have a chance at a great career in baseball. This gives me a chance to pursue a dream that I've held since I was five years old."
As part of the U.S. Army's recently implemented Alternative Service Option plan, Williamson will owe two years of active service in the Army, during which time he will be allowed to play baseball in the Tigers' system and assigned to a recruiting station. Following those two years, should he remain in professional baseball, he would be given the option of "trading" the remaining three years of his active-duty commitment for six years of reserve duty. There is also a "buy-out" component that requires reimbursement to the government for educational costs.
"We couldn't be happier for Schuyler," said Army head coach Joe Sottolano. "This is a great and deserving opportunity. Playing professional baseball is one of his life-long dreams and passions, and we're very pleased that he has achieved that goal."
Williamson joins Mike Scioletti as the only two players in Army baseball history to be selected in the First Year Player Draft. Scioletti was chosen in the 43rd round by the Chicago White Sox in 1997.