Western Kentucky outfielder Kes Carter at bat for the Hilltoppers. WKU Athletics photos.

Kes Carter is 56th overall pick for MLB
Brentwood Home Page news reports
Going to college has paid off for former Ravenwood standout baseball player Kes Carter, who was selected as the 56th overall pick of the Major League Baseball draft Monday by the Tampa Bay Rays.

Three years after getting taken in the 43rd round by the Florida Marlins, Carter moved up significantly Monday when Tampa Bay selected him in the supplementary first round. The selection came after Carter put together a stellar three-year career as an outfielder at Western Kentucky.

A left-handed hitter, Carter became the highest draft pick in the Hilltoppers' 92-year history.

"It's a blessing to be in the conversation of the top rounds in the draft," Carter told the Western Kentucky athletic website. "I always have to go back to thanking God every time for giving me these talents and abilities. That is who I thank every night before I go to bed. As I said, it's just a blessing to be in the conversation for getting drafted period and having the chance to play at the next level. I am excited about the opportunity to play for Tampa Bay."

In 2011, the center fielder batted .343 with seven home runs and 40 runs batted in. He was second on the team with 17 doubles and put together a 14-game hitting streak from mid-March to mid-April. He was twice named as a first-team All-Sun Belt Conference outfield.  

For his career, Carter his .350 in 153 games played with 35 doubles. He finished his WKU career with 15 home runs, 113 RBIs and 26 stolen bases.

The son of John and Tina Carter, Carter concluded his prep career at Ravenwood. As a senior, he was named most valuable player of the district tournament and was selected as a first-team All-State player by Tennessee Sportswriter Association All-State First Team.

He ranks among Ravenwood’s career leaders in batting average (.475), runs (87), hits (113) and doubles (23). As a senior, he hit a remarkable . 516 with a school-record 63 hits.

Prior to relocating with his parents to Brentwood, Carter played a key role in helping Houston High School to the Tennessee state championship.