DURHAM, NC – Just a couple hours before yesterday’s first pitch between Grand Prairie and Kansas City, AirHogs OF Aaron King (pictured) got the news that he would not be in the starting lineup. The Charlotte, NC native had been purchased by the Boston Red Sox and is expected to head to extended spring training in Fort Myers, FL.
Though King has impressed with the bat this year, he began his career as a pitcher and did not convert to an outfielder until this season. The southpaw was drafted by the San Francisco Giants in the seventh round of the 2008 MLB June Amateur Draft and pitched four seasons in the Giants’ organization. King got as high as Triple-A Fresno in 2011 before turning to independent ball last year with River City of the Frontier League.
King’s stint with River City marked the end of his pitching career. When he began the 2013 season with Lancaster in the Atlantic League, King was quickly turned into an outfielder. After three games without a hit, King turned to Grand Prairie, where he found his stroke. So far this season, King has played nine games in the AirHogs outfield, hitting .389 with two home runs and five RBI. King also has three doubles and a triple on the young season. That early performance caught the attention of the Red Sox, who bought King’s contract from Grand Prairie yesterday.
