Rockers Sign IF/OF Clayton Mehlbauer
Rockers Sign IF/OF Clayton Mehlbauer
Former Dirty Bird migrates south to play for High Point
HIGH POINT, N.C. – Clayton Mehlbauer, the starting shortstop for the Charleston Dirty Birds of the Atlantic League in 2023, has signed with the High Point Rockers. Rockers manager Jamie Keefe made the announcement today (Wed, March 6).
Mehlbauer, 25, played collegiately at Bellarmine University in Louisville, Ky. and started his professional career in 2022 with the Kentucky Wild Health Genomes. He began the 2023 season with the Spire City Ghost Hounds before becoming the starting shortstop at Charleston over the last 80 games of the season.
But it wasn’t Mehlbauer’s ability to play short that gave the Rockers reason to add him to their 2024 roster. It was his versatility.
“Clayton can play seven different positions,” said Keefe. “He can play the outfield and anywhere in the infield. He brings a lot to the club and works hard every single day. Clayton was also excellent late in the season when the pressure is really on.”
Mehlbauer hit .367 for Charleston in September of last year and had his best month of the season with Kentucky in September 2022.
At Bellarmine, Mehlbauer ranks among the top five in school history in hits, doubles, triples, runs scored, home runs and stolen bases.
The Rockers will report for spring training at Truist Point on April 15 and will open the season at Lexington on Thursday, April 25. The home opener for the Rockers is slated for Tuesday, April 30 against the Charleston Dirty Birds.