Waite picked by Phillies

Charlie Waite, a former Newport Harbor High standout, was selected in

the 23rd round by the Philadelphia Phillies during the second day of

the 2003 Major League Baseball first-year player draft on Wednesday.

Waite, who played four years at Ole Miss, has been the starting

catcher for the Rebels the past two seasons. For his career, Waite

posted a .278 batting average with five home runs and 62 RBIs.

Defensively, he caught 31.5% of runners attempting to steal (53 of

168).

Waite completed his most productive season at the plate this year.

Playing in 61 out of 62 games, Waite hit .304 with four home runs and

28 RBIs. He also threw out 29.6% (21 of 71) of attempted base

stealers, and ended the regular season leading the Southeastern

Conference in runners caught stealing.

He was a two-time All-Sea View League and All-Newport-Mesa honoree

while at Newport Harbor.