Former Coffeyville Red Raven Dustin Hurlbutt was selected by the Oakland Athletics in the 16th round of the Major League Baseball draft on June 10th. A junior this past season at Tabor College, Hurlbutt finished the 2015 campaign with a 10-3 record and a 3.16 earned run average. In 88 1/3 innngs, Hurlbutt has struck out 106 batters while allowing 70 hits. Hurlbutt was named KCAC Co-Pitcher of the Year.
Hurlbutt, a Coffeyville native and Field Kindley high school graduate, pitched for the Ravens in 2012 and 2013. Following the 2013 season, Hurlbutt suffered an elbow injury requiring Tommy John surgery. After missing the 2014 season, Hurlbutt transferred to Tabor College and shot up the draft charts with a fastball that has reached 95 miles per hour. Hurlbutt also has a solid change-up and a curveball.
“We are a very proud program and community knowing that a kid that has been through many hard ups and downs over the past few years is getting a chance to perform at the highest level,” said Coffeyville Community College Head Baseball Coach John Martin. “I know that his mom is very proud and we all are wishing him the best in the future.”
Hurlbutt has until July 17th to reach an agreement with the Athletics. Hurlbutt could receive a signing bonus up to $100,000 if he reaches an agreement. Bonuses beyond that amount count against a team’s overall draft pool and a sum most teams avoid with picks outside the first ten rounds.
