Ex-Hephzibah player drafted

Hephzibah High School product Casio Grider was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers this afternoon with the 427th overall pick in the Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft.

Grider, who just finished his senior year at Newberry College, was taken in with the 16th pick of the 14th round.

“I’m real excited for him and his family,” Newberry baseball coach Bob Rikeman said. “He’s always got a smile on his face, and he’s one of the hardest workers I’ve ever had. He’s definitely the best shortstop I’ve ever had.”

Grider hit .287 for Newberry this past spring and led the team in runs scored, double and triples.

Reach Billy Byler at (706) 823-3216 orbilly.byler@augustachronicle.com.