Auburn High’s Simpson drafted by Yankees

By Tom Peavy

Published: June 7, 2008

Every baseball player dreams of the day they get a phone call from the pros.

Former Auburn High standout Creede Simpson got that call Friday.

Simpson, who just finished his senior year at Auburn, was selected in the 45th round of the Major League draft by the New York Yankees.

“I can’t even imagine it — it’s exciting,” Simpson said. “One of the scouts called me up and said they had picked me.”

Simpson, though, said he’ll pass up on the professional offer.

Instead he’ll head to Okaloosa-Walton Community College in Niceville, Fla. Simpson originally signed as a walk-on to Auburn University, but has decided to go the junior college route instead.

“I’m not going to take it,” Simpson said of the professional offer. “I’m going to go down to Okaloosa-Walton for two years, and then hopefully go to a bigger college like Auburn.

“With the coaching deal going on at Auburn right now, I just felt it was in my best interest to go to junior college.”

Simpson had a stellar senior season at shortstop.

He hit .500 with 23 RBI and four homers. He also had 16 stolen bases and was named a Class 6A All-State honorable mention.

“It’s an honor to be drafted in the pros,” Auburn High head coach Matt Cimo said. “It’s an honor and something he deserves.

“He played really well for us this year and is one of the top players in the country.”

One other player with local connections was picked in the draft.

Former Lee-Scott standout Allen Ponder was picked with the second selection of the 45th round by the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Ponder helped lead the Warriors to an AISA state title in 2002 and was named the state’s Mr. Baseball.

He signed with Alabama out of high school, but injuries limited his playing time and he eventually transferred to Auburn-Montgomery.

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