Cincinnati Reds Prospect Mason Felt in Critical Condition After Car Accident

By Chris Katje
Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

A single car accident in Texas Sunday has left Cincinnati Reds prospect Mason Felt in critical condition. The Reds pitching prospect was driving the car that crossed over two lanes of traffic. Felt’s father Richard, who was 51 years of age, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Eighteen year old Felt was drafted by the Reds in the fifth round of the 2012 MLB Draft. Felt passed on a scholarship to play baseball at Oregon State University to live his dream of playing professional baseball, like his father did. The Reds prospect was signed with a $317,800 bonus and was expected to play with the AZL Reds.

At Hebron Christian Academy, Mason posted a 8-4 record in the 2011-2012 season. In his junior year, Felt went 27-3-2, including a perfect 13-0 record at neutral locations. Mason was considered one of the top ten pitching prospects from his home state of Georgia entering the 2012 MLB Draft. His stock likely fell due to the scholarship offer on the table from Oregon State. The Reds could have gotten a steal with Felt falling to the fifth round.

Mason’s father Richard Felt was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash involving a 2004 Ford pickup truck. Richard played six seasons in the minor leagues, under the Los Angeles Dodgers. In six seasons, Richard posted a 34-30 record with a 4.91 era and 1.69 whip. In 546.2 innings pitched, Felt struck out 331 batters.

Hopefully Mason is able to make a full recovery from the accident. It would be amazing to see Mason follow in his father’s footsteps, but also reach the big leagues in his father’s memory.

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