Southwest Florida’s All-Time MLB Draft picks from Collier and Lee County, FGCU and FSW
Southwest Florida has a rich history of producing baseball talent, and the region’s impact on Major League Baseball is evident in the numerous players who have been drafted from Collier and Lee County, Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) and Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW). From legendary players like Deion Sanders to rising stars like Carson Palmquist, these athletes have left an indelible mark on the sport, showcasing the extraordinary talent nurtured in this corner of Florida.
This blog post delves into the fascinating history of MLB draft selections from Southwest Florida, highlighting the remarkable individuals who have pursued their dreams on the diamond, representing their communities on the national stage. We’ll explore the legacies of high school stars, college standouts, and the institutions that have played pivotal roles in shaping these players’ journeys.
Join us as we journey through time, uncovering the stories behind these remarkable athletes, and appreciating the impact they have made on the world of baseball. This comprehensive exploration will provide insights into the talent pool that Southwest Florida continues to cultivate, solidifying its reputation as a breeding ground for future MLB stars.
Locals Selected in Major League Baseball Draft All-Time
The list of MLB draft picks hailing from Collier and Lee County is a testament to the region’s enduring love for baseball. From the early days of the draft to the modern era, players from these counties have consistently impressed scouts and earned coveted spots on Major League rosters. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and celebrate some of the most notable selections.
- Southwest Florida has a rich history of producing baseball talent, with players drafted from Collier and Lee County, FGCU, and FSW.
- Notable MLB draft picks from Southwest Florida include legendary players like Deion Sanders and rising stars like Carson Palmquist.
- The region’s impact on Major League Baseball is evident through the success of athletes nurtured in this corner of Florida.
- High schools in Southwest Florida have been a hotbed for MLB talent, consistently producing exceptional athletes since the 1960s.
- Collier and Lee County have consistently impressed scouts, with players earning coveted spots on Major League rosters over the years.
- FGCU and FSW have played pivotal roles in shaping the journeys of MLB draft picks from Southwest Florida.
- Southwest Florida continues to cultivate a strong talent pool, solidifying its reputation as a breeding ground for future MLB stars.
SWFL High School MLB Draft Picks
The high schools of Southwest Florida have been a hotbed for MLB talent, producing numerous players who have gone on to make their mark in the professional ranks. From the 1960s to the present day, the region has consistently churned out exceptional athletes, and the list of draft picks is a testament to this legacy.
One of the earliest notable draft picks from the area was Larry Phillippe, a standout from Fort Myers who was selected by the Cincinnati Reds in the 1967 draft. Phillippe would later be drafted again in 1968, this time by the Cleveland Indians. This early success set the stage for a long line of talented players from Southwest Florida who would follow in his footsteps.
The 1970s saw a surge in draft picks from the region, with players like Gary Conley, John Chapman, and Steve Strickland all making their way to the pros. Conley, a Fort Myers native, was drafted by the Chicago White Sox in 1971, while Chapman and Strickland were selected by the San Francisco Giants and Texas Rangers, respectively. This period marked a significant moment in Southwest Florida’s baseball history, establishing the area as a consistent producer of MLB talent.
The 1980s and 1990s saw a continued influx of talented players from Southwest Florida, with names like Mike Greenwell, Deion Sanders, and Adam Piatt becoming household names. Greenwell, a North Fort Myers product, was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in 1982, while Sanders, a North Fort Myers standout, was selected by the Kansas City Royals in 1985. Piatt, a Bishop Verot graduate, was drafted by the New York Mets in 1994, showcasing the diversity of talent emerging from the region.
The early 2000s witnessed the rise of players like Justin Turner, Chris Resop, and James Miller, further cementing Southwest Florida’s reputation as a baseball powerhouse. Turner, a Mariner High School graduate, was drafted by the Anaheim Angels in 2001, while Resop, a Barron Collier graduate, was selected by the Florida Marlins in the same year. Miller, a North Fort Myers standout, was drafted by the Colorado Rockies in 2004, showcasing the continued flow of talent from the region.
The current decade has seen even more talented players from Southwest Florida make their mark on the MLB draft. Names like Carson Palmquist, Shane McClanahan, and Thad Ward have become synonymous with the region’s baseball prowess. Palmquist, a Riverdale High School graduate, was drafted by the Colorado Rockies in 2022, while McClanahan, a Cape Coral native, was selected by the Tampa Bay Rays in 2018. Ward, a Bishop Verot graduate, was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the same year, solidifying Southwest Florida’s status as a premier source of MLB talent.
FGCU MLB Draft Picks
Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) has emerged as a significant force in college baseball, and its impact on the MLB draft is undeniable. The Eagles have produced a steady stream of players who have caught the attention of scouts, earning their place in Major League organizations. From standout pitchers to talented position players, FGCU has proven to be a breeding ground for future MLB stars.
One of FGCU’s earliest notable draft picks was Justin Stiver, a pitcher who was selected by the Houston Astros in the 17th round of the 2006 draft. Stiver’s selection marked a significant moment for the Eagles, demonstrating their ability to develop talent and prepare players for the professional game. The following year, FGCU saw two more players drafted, with Luis Pardo and Jason Kiley both being selected by Major League organizations.
The 2010 draft saw FGCU make a major splash when Chris Sale, a left-handed pitcher, was selected by the Chicago White Sox with the 13th overall pick. Sale’s selection was a game-changer for the Eagles, placing them firmly on the map as a program capable of producing top-tier MLB talent. Sale has gone on to have a stellar career in the Major Leagues, winning numerous accolades and establishing himself as one of the best pitchers in the game.
In subsequent years, FGCU has continued to produce talented players who have been drafted by MLB teams. Names like Jacob Barnes, Harrison Cooney, Zach Tillery, and Josh Dye have all made their way to the professional ranks, showcasing the program’s enduring success in developing talented players.
The Eagles have also had a significant impact on the lower rounds of the MLB draft, with numerous players finding their way to Major League organizations through this route. This consistent production of talent has cemented FGCU’s reputation as a program that can develop players for all levels of professional baseball.
Florida SouthWestern MLB Draft Picks
Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) has also made its mark on the MLB draft, producing a steady stream of players who have gone on to make their mark in the professional game. FSW has built a reputation for developing talent and preparing players for the next level, and its impact on the MLB draft is evident in the numerous players who have been selected by Major League organizations.
One of FSW’s earliest notable draft picks was Willie Rios, a pitcher who was selected by the Baltimore Orioles in the 16th round of the 2016 draft. Rios’ selection marked a significant moment for the Buccaneers, demonstrating their ability to develop talent and prepare players for the professional game. The following year, FSW saw another player drafted, with Brandon Presley being selected by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 22nd round.
FSW’s success in the MLB draft continued in 2019, with two players being selected. Ryan Gusto, a pitcher, was taken by the Houston Astros in the 11th round, while Marc Davis, another pitcher, was selected by the Chicago Cubs in the 38th round. This continued success solidified FSW’s reputation as a program that can develop players for all levels of professional baseball.
In recent years, FSW has continued to produce talented players who have been drafted by MLB teams. Names like Carlos Rodriguez, Alex Ayala, Magnus Ellerts, and Marty Gair have all made their way to the professional ranks, showcasing the program’s enduring success in developing talented players.
These players, along with the numerous others who have been drafted from FSW, are a testament to the program’s commitment to developing talent and preparing players for the next level. FSW has become a hotbed for MLB talent, and its impact on the sport is undeniable.
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: All-Time MLB Draft picks from Collier and Lee County, FGCU and FSW
