Seven Xposure camp alumni were drafted in Major League Baseball's three-day amateur draft that concluded Thursday afternoon.
The first Xposure alum taken in the draft with the seventh overall pick by the Atlanta Braves was LHP Mikie Minor. The Chapel Hill, TN native played his high school baseball at Forrest H.S.
After foregoing his first opportunity at professional baseball for the chance to compete in the SEC. Minor went to college and excelled. Picked in the 13th round of the 2006 MLB draft by Tampa Bay coming out of high school Minor turned down a hefty $750,000 offer. It was a calculated risk but Minor and his family felt it was in his best interest to attend school.
“It doesn’t always happen as planned but in my case going to school was the right decision it gave me the opportunity to mature, get bigger and stronger while working toward my degree and I’m better for it” said Minor
Minor took his talented left arm to Vanderbilt University where he made an impact immediately. His freshman year he was in the starting rotation on his way to an 9-1 record. Named Freshman All-American by several publications. Minor’s stock really soared last year after he for team USA, serving as the team’s ace pitcher Mikie pitched brilliantly, including two victories against Cuba. The culmination of three strong years in the SEC and two summers competing for USA Baseball National team has solidified Mikie’s resume and made him one of the most sought after pitchers in this years draft.
Program Director Jarrett England said “Mikie can really pitch and he loves to compete. On the surface he may come across as a low key, quiet guy but don’t let him fool you. You put that guy on a mound and give him a baseball and he’s as fierce a competitor as there is. He’s out for blood every time.you want a guy like that on your team.”
"Mikie is very deserving of the opportunity he will get with the Braves and I think we will see him in the big leagues very soon."
"Mikie has been a great model for our guys. He’s been through our program and has done his best to stay involved with our program. That speaks measures to what type of person he is and the type of program we have here. Mikie has answered every request whether it be appearances or the mentorship of younger players. He’s a quality citizen and a great ball player and we want to support him in every way we can. We wish he and his family the very best."
Click here for an MLB scouting report and some video of Minor.
Xposure Alum taken in this years draft include
LHP Mike Minor 1st round (7th pick) Atlanta Braves
