SWAC INFIELDER SHATTERS BARRIERS AS FIRST HBCU PLAYER DRAFTED IN 2024 MLB DRAFT
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Posted By: Catalina Deossa on July 18, 2024 Randy Flores, a standout baseball player from Alabama State University, achieved a significant milestone in his career when he was drafted by the Los Angeles Angels Baseball Club in the eighth round of the 2024 MLB Amateur Draft on July 15, 2024. This accomplishment was not only a personal triumph but also marked a historic moment as Flores became the first HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) baseball player selected in that year's draft. Originally from Brooklyn, New York, Randy Flores received high praise from Alabama State University's Head Baseball Coach, Jose Vazquez, who commended Flores for his relentless dedication and exemplary representation of ASU throughout his collegiate career. Coach Vazquez expressed immense pride in Randy's journey from a talented collegiate athlete to a professional baseball player, emphasizing his hard work and perseverance in realizing his dream of playing professional baseball. During his tenure at Alabama State University, Flores distinguished himself as a standout performer in the SWAC (Southwestern Athletic Conference), consistently ranking among the conference leaders in several statistical categories. In the 2024 season alone, Flores showcased his all-around skills by leading the conference in hits (74) and hits per game (1.42). His ability to avoid strikeouts was exceptional, boasting an impressive 11.2 strikeouts per game, making him one of the toughest batters to face in the SWAC. Flores's speed and base-running acumen were equally impressive, with his 31 stolen bases placing him third in the SWAC and 16th nationally. His average of 0.60 stolen bases per game ranked fourth in the SWAC and 19th in the entire NCAA, highlighting his ability to impact games with his speed on the base paths. Beyond his base-running prowess, Flores demonstrated power at the plate, tallying nine home runs and driving in 42 runs during the 2024 season. His .347 batting average further underscored his consistency and ability to produce offensively for his team. Throughout his collegiate career, Randy Flores started and played in 114 games for Alabama State University, earning accolades such as two-time First-Team All-SWAC selections. His cumulative statistics are a testament to his skill and contributions to the Hornets' baseball program: a .338 batting average, 159 hits, 119 runs scored, 25 doubles, seven triples, and 20 home runs. Flores also excelled in other facets of the game, stealing 68 bases, achieving a .549 slugging percentage, and maintaining a .421 on-base percentage. As he embarks on his journey with the Los Angeles Angels, Randy Flores carries with him a legacy of excellence from Alabama State University, where he not only excelled on the field but also represented his university with pride and professionalism. His draft selection marks a proud moment for ASU's baseball program and reinforces the potential for success among HBCU athletes in the competitive world of professional baseball. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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Catalina Deossa
Archaeologist, CHRONOS SAS Florida Int`l Univ class of 2011 Member Since April 2024 |
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