Bowling Green Hot Rods infielder Carson Williams makes a throw to first base during the Hot Rods’ 3-2 win over the Rome Braves on April 14 at Bowling Green Ballpark.

Carson Williams, the Bowling Green Hot Rods’ starting shortstop and the No. 3 prospect of Major League Baseball’s Tampa Bay Rays, will be honored for his stellar defensive work during the 2022 MiLB season with a Rawlings Gold Glove Award prior to first pitch on Friday at Bowling Green Ballpark.

The 19-year-old shortstop, a San Diego native, was successful on 401 fielding chances during the 2022 season with the Charleston RiverDogs. He helped turn 59 double plays and collected 252 assists over 108 games in Charleston.

Williams was selected in the first round (28th overall) of the 2021 MLB Draft by the Rays out of Torrey Pines High School in San Diego. The slick fielder has played at three different levels since entering the organization in 2021, including the FCL, Low-A Charleston, and currently High-A Bowling Green.

The next chance to see Williams and the rest of the Hot Rods at Bowling Green Ballpark is Tuesday, as the Hot Rods start a six-game series with the Hickory Crawdads.{&end}