Nick Grant pitching during the State Championship game. Source: Websites4Sports
Milford Baseball’s star pitcher Nick Grant was drafted by the New York Mets on Tuesday, June 5 in Round 15 of the MLB draft. Grant helped lead the Bucs to a historical run this season, advancing farther than any Milford baseball team in the 43-year history of the Delaware State Baseball Tournament.
Originally Grant had been talking with the Cubs and thought he would be drafted in the 10th round by Chicago. Waiting 5 more rounds than expected, Nick and his family admit it was a tense situation.
“We were all sitting around listening to the draft on internet radio and it was nerve racking,” commented Grant. “When the Mets announced that they picked me, every one went crazy.”
Grant follows in the footsteps of his teammates Jarrell Allen and Devon Reed, each on which were drafted by MLB teams last year. Jerrel Allen was chosen in the 11th round by the Kansas City Royals and Devon Reed was drafted by the Marlins in round 20.
“We used to train a lot together and we have played on the same teams for years,” commented Grant. “From them I have learned to keep working hard; they have always been right there with me.”
Nick has been a star pitcher for the MHS baseball team, making the Varsity squad his entire high school career to a team that saw State Tournament play in 4 consecutive years. During this year’s Quarter-Final Round of the DIAA State Tournament Nick Grant struck out 5 batters in 4 innings of work and added 3 hits and 2 RBI. Grant also pitched in the DIAA State Championship game falling one run short of being crowned State Champions.
Milford baseball Head Coach Nick Brannan attributes this year’s unprecedented success to the leadership of his pitchers including Grant’s ability to perform under pressure in the DIAA State Tournament.
“We, as a team are so excited to hear the news of Nick being drafted,” stated Coach Brannan. “His athleticism is what got him this far. He has a very rigid training regiment and if he keeps working hard I think Nick will see a lot of success.”
Over the next few weeks Nick will continue his normal routine as officials for the Mets come to Milford to see him perform and negotiate a contract. If an agreement can be reached, Nick will leave in July to begin his professional training in Florida. To make it to The Show, Nick will face competition from some of the best players in the world as he progresses through the minor league system.
