One of the top Red Sox' pitching prospects won't be participating in professional baseball for some time.
Noah Song, a fourth-round pick out of the Naval Academy in 2019, was informed by the United States Navy that he is expected to report for flight school in Pensacola, Fla. no later than June 26. It is training that typically lasts 18 months and can carry a commitment of six years upon completion of the training.
Song can seek early release from the training starting May 2021, although according to the Capital Gazette is rare for a candidate to receive early-release midway through flight training.
In a statement, Vice Admiral Sean Buck, Superintendent of the Naval Academy wrote: "The Navy has made great efforts to support his baseball goals within the constraints imposed by law and policy. ... The Navy provided him the opportunity to play minor league baseball for the Red Sox last summer and compete internationally in Mexico and Japan for Team USA,” Buck wrote. “The Naval Academy is proud of what Ensign Song has accomplished and is hopeful he will achieve his goals as a naval officer and professional baseball player.”
In his own statement published in the Capital Gazette, Song expressed his continued desire to play professional baseball while also eventually fulfilling all of his Naval obligations.
“If I were somehow allowed to transfer into the reserves, I would have every intention of serving on active duty after my time with baseball ends,” Song wrote. “I place an incredible amount of personal value in serving my country and doing so in a meaningful way.
“I am fortunate to have two ‘Plan As’ in life: I want to serve my country as a naval aviator and play baseball for the Red Sox. I will continue to do all I can to accomplish both, and I sincerely appreciate the support I have received from the Navy and the Red Sox in reaching those goals.”
Song was dominant during his stint with Single-A Lowell last season, totaling a 1.06 ERA in seven starts while boasting a fastball in the high 90's. He continued to impress while pitching for Team USA in Japan after the season, being identified by most as the club's best pitcher.
For more on Song's situation, click here.