Babylon's Max Watt Drafted by Boston Red Sox

Just one short year after leading the Babylon Panthers to the Long Island Championship in a dazzling pitching performance, right-hander Max Watt could be making his way to the major leagues after being drafted by the Boston Red Sox.

The 6 foot, 8 inch right-hander was selected in the 37th round of the MLB Amateur Draft, being selected by the Red Sox as the 1,103th pick overall.

Watt is the first Babylon High School graduate in recent memory to be selected in a sports draft by any major league sports team.

His father, Michael Watt, said the news hit him like "a thunderbolt."

"I realized if he signs I’ll have to buy - and wear - a Boston Red Sox cap," he told Patch. "As a lifelong Yankees fan I am going to have to swallow hard to do that, but it is a sacrifice I am willing to make."

It's not the first time through this for the Watt family either – Michael's nephew, who shares his name and lives in California, was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2007. The community, Michael told Patch, has been very supportive and excited.

"Babylon School Board President Dom Bencivenga said he was going to mention it at tonight’s Board of Education meeting," he said. "A lot of the parents I coached with in Babylon Little League have also shared their excitement with us. The genuine enthusiasm and excitement is touching and best explains what makes this Village so special."

Currently attending Hillsborough Community College in Tampa, Florida, Watt has come out of the bullpen to the tune of a 5.67 ERA while striking out 30 in 39 2/3 innings.

Watt pitched a brilliant game in last year's Long Island Championship game against Oyster Bay. He gave up three runs over seven innings pitched while striking out 7, including the final batter to end the game.

Watt also played for the traveling team "Hank's Yanks," sponsored by Yankees co-owner Hank Steinbrenner and managed by Babylon resident Ray Negron, from 2010 to 2012. He was the winning pitcher, coming out of the bullpen, in the 2011 "Boss' Cup" all-star game at Yankee Stadium.

Babylon School officials said they were not surprised Watt was drafted.

"He took us to the states, so it doesn't surprise me," said Babylon High School principal Al Cirone. "His senior class was a great group of kids. Max has the size to make it seems to know what's he's doing. He always had a plan."

Athletic Director Michael DeJoseph said he was very proud of the former Panthers ace.

"We're not surprised at all because he's always had great ability," he said. "We're excited for Max and his future."

Keep an eye out for our interview with Max Watt very soon!