LANDMARK MOMENT: HBCU PRODUCES HIGHEST MLB DRAFT PICK IN NEARLY 50 YEARS
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Posted By: Catalina Deossa on July 18, 2024 In the 2024 MLB Draft, Canyon Brown, a catcher from North Carolina A&T, was selected by the Kansas City Royals as the 257th overall pick in the ninth round. This selection marks a significant milestone for North Carolina A&T, as it represents the highest draft pick from the university since Al Holland was chosen 81st overall in 1975 by the San Diego Padres. Brown's draft comes just a year after his former teammate, Xavier Meachem, was drafted by the Miami Marlins. Brown's strengths lie primarily in his defensive prowess, particularly his exceptional arm behind the plate. His ability to thwart base stealers, evidenced by a 47.4% caught stealing rate with 27 runners caught, made him a standout prospect for MLB teams. At the MLB Draft Combine, Brown further impressed scouts with his above-average arm strength and his ability to handle pitches effectively. While Brown's defensive skills are well-regarded, there have been concerns about his offensive performance. However, in the 2024 season, he had a breakout year with career-high statistics: batting .310 with six home runs, 49 RBIs, 12 doubles, three triples, a .414 on-base percentage, and a .492 slugging percentage. These numbers earned him first-team All-Coastal Athletic Association honors and helped solidify his standing as a draft prospect. North Carolina A&T has a history of producing MLB talent, with 22 players drafted from its baseball program. Under head coach Hall since 2015, Canyon Brown is the fourth player drafted into the MLB, joining Meachem, RHP Leon Hunter, and RHP Cutter Dyals. Hall expressed great pride in Brown's achievement, noting his dedication and development throughout his collegiate career. In summary, Canyon Brown's selection by the Kansas City Royals represents a significant achievement for both him and North Carolina A&T's baseball program. His defensive skills and improved offensive performance in his senior season have positioned him as a promising prospect in 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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