Wetumpka's Golden picked by Chicago Cubs

Wetumpka High's Reggie Golden went to the Chicago Cubs in the second round of the professional baseball draft Tuesday with the 65th overall pick.

Golden passed through Monday's first round and supplemental first round -- the draft's first 50 overall picks -- though he said this weekend that he expected to be taken within the first 35.

Golden was a three-time All-State player at Wetumpka and finished his career with 36 home runs, 156 RBIs and 146 runs scored. If the outfielder passes on the professional offer, he has signed with the University of Alabama.

He went to national showcases last summer, playing in San Diego's Petco Park and Chicago's Wrigley Field, among others.

Golden is the highest Montgomery-area pick since 2007 when Stanhope Elmore pitcher Brandon Hamilton was the 60th overall pick. Hamilton went to the Detroit Tigers in the supplemental first round.

Based on his draft position, Golden would be in line for a sizeable signing bonus. Last year's 65th overall pick, Kansas high school pitcher Garrett Gould, received a $900,000 bonus, according to Baseball America. The nearest high school outfielder to that, California's Trayce Thompson went four picks earlier to the Chicago White Sox, signed for $625,000.