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Four recent IMG Academy baseball graduates as well as two alumni heard their names called during the 2021 MLB Draft. On July 11-13, 2021, these six Ascenders' lives were forever changed. Most student-athletes envision competing in the major league from the moment they first pick up a bat or a glove, and these IMG alumni are currently living out that dream.
Here's a look at which six players join the elite group of stars who have had the same honor of being selected in the MLB Draft:
James Wood (OF) has been a major focus for much of this 2021 season. As seen in the On Deck YouTube series, Wood is committed to Mississippi State but was immediately noticed by IMG baseball coaches and trainers as having the potential to compete at the professional level. Drew Gray (LHP) was the second Ascender called on Day 2 of the Draft. Committed to Arkansas, Gray has the potential to make an impact at the next level. Mason Albright (LHP) is committed to Virginia Tech and heard his name called on Day 3 of the Draft. Tucker Mitchell (C) impacted the roster at the State College of Florida as a sophomore last season and was the third Ascender drafted this year. Drake Varnado (SS) is a recent IMG graduate as a member of the class of 2021 and is committed to Arkansas. Rounding out this year's list is Tyler Ahearn (RHP) who just completed his redshirt junior season at Florida State before hearing his name called on the final day of the Draft.
We couldn’t be more excited for our IMG Academy alumni. It was such an exciting few days, hearing their names and knowing they have the option of attending a major D1 university or signing professionally. Having the most athletes drafted from a high school is just a true testament to our program and all the hard work that our students and coaching staff put in collectively.
- Dan Simonds, IMG Academy Director of Baseball
We look forward to following the next steps of these players' journeys and wish them the best at the next level, whether that be continuing their collegiate careers or taking that leap to the professional setting.
