Manatees Make an Impact on MLB Draft

Bradenton, Fla - The 2015 Major League Baseball (MLB) draft was an active draft for the Manatees.  Current players, alumni, and 2016 commitments were selected by professional teams.  A total of nine were drafted.

Shortstop, Mitch Piatnik was the first of the 2015 roster to be selected.  The Louisiana State University commitment was selected by the 8th round by the Cincinnati Reds.  The Reds were apparently impressed by SCF's middle infield and drafted fellow middle infielder, Brantley Bell, in the 11th round.  In the 15th round of the MLB Draft, Brad Zunica was chosen by the San Diego Padres.  SCF ace pitcher, Taylor Cockerell was selected by the Atlanta Braves in the 23rd round of the draft.  Both Zunica and Cockrell are have signed to play at University of Tampa in the 2015-16 school year.

Three SCF Alumni were selected in the draft as well. Senior third baseman at Louisiana State University, Conner Hale, was chosen in the 9th round by the Seattle Mariners.  Nova Southeastern single season home run record holder, Justin Garcia, was chosen in the 17th round by the Houston Astros.  Finally, USF Bull Casey Mulholland was chosen by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 37th round.

SCF signees, Tyler Phillips and JD Salmon-Williams were, also, selected in the draft.  Phillips is pitcher and went in the 16th round to the Texas Rangers.  Salmon Williams is a second baseman and was chosen by the Cincinnati Reds.