Slugger in the Making
If you’re in one of those super deep leagues that likes to find the next big thing, you might want to cast your eyes to the New Mexico high school system, where Del Norte, Albuquerque senior Wade Hinkle is making state history with his power bat.
Hinkle, in just his third varsity season, has already broken the state record for career home runs, set by former Yankee pitcher Christian Parker (remember him?), who took four years to hit 24 jacks.
He’s also tied the single-season New Mexico record of 15 homers set in 1985 by Jim Rino of Bloomfield. The 2007 All-State player is beginning to get the Barry Bonds treatment, as opposing teams have been opting to give him a free pass rather than risk pitching to him.