Two of the three El Camino College Compton Center baseball players drafted last month by Major League Baseball's First-Year Player Draft are having a great time in the big leagues, training in the tropical Florida heat for the Marlins organization.

Compton Center pitcher and outfielder Marcus Crockett was selected in the ninth round and shortstop Ray White was picked up in the 27th round. The two outstanding ballplayers are childhood friends and have played baseball together for many years. When they were 14, they won the 2001 RBI World Series in Orlando, with Coach Shannon Williams as the coach-now the head coach at Compton Center.

"This is a great moment for me, I have known these kids for a long time, and it is a great opportunity for them to grow together and have a great career in baseball," said Coach Williams. "Baseball guys are like brothers-they are like a big family, and it is great that they can go through this experience together."

Compton Center outfielder Marquis Williams was chosen by the Houston Astros in the 43rd round and is still deciding if he will continue with his college studies, or take the invitation to join the pro team.

Marquis Williams, a graduate of Culver City High School, also trained with the MLB Urban Academy on the Compton campus, giving him the opportunity to work on his skills and perform on a higher level.

"I have been here for five years with the Compton program, and it is just getting better," said Coach Williams. "And it really shows with guys getting drafted, and everyone improving all the time.

"Looking at the big picture, this is a great opportunity for these players to grow in the system. And we know that for all the guys, we have prepared them well for the transition. I mean, we all know they can play, but mentally, they have to ready to play."

Marcus Crockett finished the season with .320 batting average, 27 stolen bases, and 24 RBIs. He comes from St. Bernard High School in Westchester and as a southpaw, is a very versatile and well-rounded player.

Ray White pulled in a .298 batting average, with three home runs, 20 stolen bases, and 18 RBIs to his credit. A graduate of Roosevelt High School, he played two years at Compton. 

Marquis Williams, batted .368, knocked in three home runs, stole 10 bases, and logged 20 RBIs.

Despite a young pitching staff, the Compton Center team had a great season, with all-around outstanding players. All five of the sophomores are transferring to four-year institutions, the majority on baseball scholarships.