RAINBOW BASEBALL
Kolten Wong chooses ’Bows over Twins
A hefty amount of money wasn't enough to keep Kolten Wong from playing baseball in his home state.
Selected by the Minnesota Twins in the 16th round of the MLB draft in June, the Star-Bulletin Co-Position Player of the Year has decided against going pro, opting to honor his commitment to Hawaii.
"I'm going to go to UH," Wong said last night.
Minnesota upped its initial offer to Wong, which was in the $50,000 range, but it wasn't enough to pry the Kamehameha-Hawaii graduate away from playing for the 'Bows.
"The Twins came in with a later offer, but I decided in the end to go and become a Warrior," Wong said. "It was a little late and I already gave my commitment to Hawaii. I don't want to let Hawaii down.
"I realized playing baseball in front of the hometown fans could be a really good thing. I will be able to play pro ball in the future -- I can only do this now."
Wong talked to Hawaii coach Mike Trapasso, who told him he'd probably play center field this year.
"He said he really likes my arm from the outfield, so he said he wants to try me out there," Wong said.
The deadline for draftees to sign a deal with the team that selected them is midnight Eastern time today. Wong isn't worried about a last-minute change of mind.
"I'm pretty much set," Wong said. "I will stick to UH."