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Meet the Dragons: Byron Wiley

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11:26 PM Saturday, June 27, 2009

Fast facts: of, 5-11, 205, 22 years old from Tomball, Texas

Claim to fame: Hit .366 for Kansas State as a sophomore and was second-team All-Big 12 that season, playing mostly center field.

Quote: “Everybody has confidence. But they expect you to do well day in and day out. Everyone I’ve seen is a good ballplayer. When you go out and prove yourself, you can prove how good you are.”

Pro experience: Drafted in the 22nd round by the Reds in 2008, played at rookie Billings, Mont., last summer, where he hit .328 with five homers and 37 RBIs in 39 games. Compiled a 12-game hitting streak.

Luring blacks: “Major League Baseball must put more baseball in the inner cities to interest blacks like me. I played football, too, but baseball was always my sport.”

Tough start: With the Dragons, Wiley was hitting just .212 when Reds first baseman Joey Votto joined the team for two games last weekend. Wiley played in those two games and in one game since, going 6-for-14 (.429) with three doubles and a home run.

Playing with Votto: “I’ve been watching every swing he has taken in batting practice. He’s left-handed, like me. I hope it’s a hot streak for everyone.”

— Marc Katz, Staff Writer

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