The Columbia Fireflies home opener will mark the return of professional baseball to Columbia, South Carolina, for the first time since the Capital City Bombers left in 2004. During the Bomber's heyday, future big league stars like David Wright, Jose Reyes and Preston Wilson got their start in Columbia. Here is a look at the next wave of potential major leaguers who will call Columbia home this season.
Milton Ramos, Shortstop
Ramos was selected by the Mets in Round No. 3 of the 2014 MLB Draft. The 20-year old shortstop hit .295 between two stops in rookie ball and will be making his full season professional debut in 2016. He was ranked the No. 11 prospect in the Mets farm system by MLB.com and No. 19 by Baseball America. Ramos does not have a lot of power, but he shows signs of having the ability to hit for a high batting average and offers solid defensive value at shortstop.
Ivan Wilson, Center Fielder
New York selected Wilson in 2013 in Round No. 3 of the draft out of high school with hopes of developing him into a five-tool player. Unfortunately, Wilson's raw natural ability has yet to translate into in-game success. Wilson currently owns a .211 batting average in his minor league career. His calling card is his right-handed power, but so far his swing-and-miss tendencies have limited him from tapping into that power.
David Thompson, Third Baseman
Thompson was a star at Miami during his collegiate career and was a unanimous All-America First Team selection after his junior season. Through his first seven games for Columbia, Thompson is off to a hot start, hitting .348 and is pacing the team with eight RBIs. The Fireflies will be relying on his advanced hitting ability to anchor their lineup and solid defense to man the hot corner.
Thomas McIlraith, Right-handed Pitcher
McIlraith made headlines in his debut for Columbia when he combined with relievers Alex Palsha and Johnny Magliozzi to throw the first no-hitter in the club's history. McIlraith worked six innings and fanned six batters in that start. While he lacks eye-popping velocity and lasted until Round No. 20 in the 2015 MLB Draft, McIlraith is off to a great start in his professional career. In 58 innings with Kingsport last season, he recorded a minuscule 1.71 ERA and allowed just two home runs.