Basin area native and former Hiwassee College standout Kyle Godfrey is about to begin his journey toward major league baseball. The right-handed pitcher has been drafted in the 13th round by the Houston Astros. He is expected to report to the Class A team in Troy, New York, on Friday.

Blessed with a 96 MPH fastball and an 87 MPH slider, Godfrey pitched 73 innings for Hiwassee College this year and recorded 103 strikeouts. His E.R.A. was 3.33 this year and 2.83 the previous year.

According to his father, Tim, they found out he was drafted watching on television. “It’s been a roller coaster ride,” his father said.

Kyle pitched only 17 innings at Fannin County High School before graduating in 2004. He then went on to work for two years before deciding to give baseball another shot. “He called and said he was ready to give baseball a try,” his father said. Kyle then went to a Braves tryout camp. His fast ball was clocked in the 90s and he was offered the scholarship to Hiwassee College.

Kyle signed his papers Monday night. He is the son of Tim and Nancy Godfrey of McCaysville and the grandson of Kenneth and Lois Godfrey of Grassy Creek and Betty Grantham of McCaysville.