Last summer, Justin Snyder adjusted well to his first pro season. After being selected in the 21st round of the 2007 MLB Draft by the Yankee organization, the University of San Diego product brought his spunky brand of ball to Staten Island where the versatile utility man batted leadoff going on to become one of the best players in the New York-Penn League- garnering NYP Mid-Season All-Star honors and tabbed as a Baseball America Short-Season All-Star.

Playing four different positions including center field, second base, short and the hot corner, Snyder became a fixture at the top of the order hitting .335 with five home runs, 40 RBI’s, 68 runs scored and 10 stolen bases in 73 games. The lefty line drive hitter came within two hits of besting Eduardo Nunez’ franchise mark of 88 finishing a hit shy with 87. However, the .335 average broke former Baby Bomber second baseman Wilmer Pino’s 2006 club mark of .326. 

Most noteworthy about the pesky El Cajon, California native was his approach at the plate where he constantly made opposing pitchers work getting pitch counts up and finding a way on base. He drew 58 walks which helped him post an impressive on-base percentage of .459. Though he and the Baby Bombers fell short of their goal of a three-peat losing twice to Verrazano nemesis Brooklyn, it was still a very successful first season overall with plenty of promise.

Maybe that’s why it doesn’t come as a surprise that the 22 year-old second-year prospect has continued to impress down with Single-A Charleston. Entering last night, he was batting .314 with two homers, 19 RBI’s and 24 runs scored in 35 games with the Riverdogs of the South Atlantic League. He’s continued to reach base consistently drawing 16 bases on balls along with a respectable OBP close to .375.

Playing mostly second, Snyder’s strong play hasn’t gone unnoticed. In fact, Charleston skipper Torre Tyson heaped praise by referring to him in a team feature as “the best pure hitter” the team has due to his feistiness.

The entire feature can be found at the official Riverdogs website.

Wishing Justin and his teammates continued success in 2008!