Dexter Fowler Named to U.S. Olympic Team

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Dexter Fowler Named to U.S. Olympic Team

Kyle Galdeira
07/16/08

Former Hawaii Winter Baseball All-Star Dexter Fowler (Waikiki BeachBoys, 2006) was named to the 2008 U.S. Olympic Baseball Team today. The Colorado Rockies' outfield prospect is one of 24 members tabbed to represent the United States in international competition from Aug. 13-28 at the Beijing Olympic Games.

Fowler is heralded as a legitimate five-tool player, and numerous scouts and talent evaluators foresee the Atlanta, Ga. native making an impact at the Major league level as early as the 2009 season. The switch hitter is currently ensconced in center field with the Double-A Tulsa Drillers.

Through 89 games with Tulsa, Fowler owns a .325 batting average along with 24 doubles, seven triples, nine home runs and 54 RBIs. The speedster has also scored 72 runs in addition to stealing 16 bases and posting a .412 on-base percentage.

Baseball America ranks Fowler as Colorado’s No. 3 overall prospect, and the club’s top center field farmhand. Fowler participated in the XM Satellite Radio All-Star Futures Game at New York’s Yankee Stadium on July 13 as part of Major League Baseball's All-Star week. While the U.S. squad fell to the World Team, 3-0, Fowler did well enough to prove himself worthy of the Olympic Team selection.

As a member of the BeachBoys, Fowler hit .266 while notching six doubles, three triples and 12 RBIs to go along with 10 stolen bases.

According to USA Baseball’s Web site, the U.S. last competed at the Olympic level in baseball in the 2000 Games in Sydney when the Tommy Lasorda-led squad won the gold medal over Cuba. The U.S. did not qualify for the 2004 Olympics in Athens. The U.S. opens competition against Korea on Aug. 13 at Beijing’s Wukesong Baseball Stadium.