2015 is Austin Wright's first year with the ThunderBolts and fifth as a professional. He signed on April 29, 2015. He began his pro career in 2011, when the Philadelphia Phillies selected him in the eighth round of the Amateur Draft. Austin spent four seasons in the Philadelphia organization and won 23 games while posting a 4.26 ERA over 102 appearances (55 starts). He struck out 335 in 359 innings. He made it as far as Double-A Reading, where he pitched in 59 games. He finished his college career at the University of Mississippi, going 5-4 with a 4.73 ERA in 14 starts as a junior. He also spent two years at Chipola College, where he struck out 97 hitters over 85 total innings. Austin was drafted in the 23rd round twice (Pittsburgh in 2008; Boston in 2010) but elected not to sign both times. Prior to Chipola, he went to Conant High School in Hoffman Estates, Illinois.