JT Watkins Leaves to Begin Military Service

The Lowell Spinners honored catcher J.T. Watkins, a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army, Sunday afternoon as he played in his final game before reporting to Fort Stewart, GA to begin his active duty.

A 10th round selection in the 2012 First-Year Player Draft out of Army, Watkins played in 17 games with the Spinners, batting .200 (9-for-45) with a double, home run and four RBI. He finished his first professional season Sunday, going 0-for-3, making a heads up defensive play to turn a throwing error into an out at second by backing-up the play at first.

Watkins will now report to West Point where he will begin his military commitment, five years of active service followed by three years in the reserves.

He recently took his Spinners' teammates on a tour of West Point during the team's trip to Hudson Valley last weekend.

Watkins time in the Red Sox organization is not done however. He will be placed on the Reserve/Restricted List and he can apply for a special release from the Department of Defense after serving two years of active duty. Then he can serve the remainder of his service commitment in the reserves while resuming his playing career.

The entire Spinners organization wishes J.T. all the best as he begins this next endeavor and thank him for his service to our country. We eagerly look forward to his return to the diamond.