Slade Cecconi’s head fell into his lap and his face lit up with joy upon hearing his named called Wednesday night during Major League Baseball’s annual amateur draft.
The Trinity Prep graduate and University of Miami pitcher was seated on a sofa next to his mom when he was selected No. 33 overall by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the competitive balance portion of the first round.
“This is a flame-thrower,” said MLB Network’s Greg Amsinger during the broadcast. “Scouts love his big, durable frame [and] power arm that hits 96 [mph] all the time.”
Said ESPN’s Kyle Peterson: “I’ve had scouts tell me Cecconi’s a guy they think can make huge jumps when he gets into pro ball because he hasn’t grown into all the potential of his body.