Opens in a new window Virginia Tech has produced two or more MLB Draft picks during 17 consecutive years, dating back to 2008.
In 2022, the Hokies set a program record when four student-athletes were taken during the opening five rounds of the MLB Draft. Gavin Cross became Tech's highest all-time selection when he was chosen at No. 9 overall by the Kansas City Royals.
Since head coach John Szefc's arrival in Blacksburg, Virginia Tech has witnessed 26 MLB Draft selections. Five of Szefc's former players - Zach Brzykcy (P), Kerry Carpenter (OF), Nic Enright (P), Ian Seymour (P), and Joe Mantiply (P) - are on a 40-man MLB roster today.
Relief pitcher Joe Mantiply represented the Arizona Diamondbacks at the 2022 MLB All-Star Game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles.
After co-leading Virginia Tech to two NCAA Regional appearances in 2010 and 2013, Mantiply earned his third career MLB Draft selection in 2013 (Detroit Tigers), later making his MLB debut in 2015.
Photos courtesy of Arizona Diamondbacks
Pictured: Kerry Carpenter (Detroit), Joe Mantiply (Arizona), Packy Naughton (St. Louis); not pictured: Nic Enright (Miami).
Photos courtesy of Arizona Diamondbacks, Detroit Tigers, St. Louis Cardinals.
Virginia Tech infielder Chad Pinder announced his retirement from baseball in May 2023 after playing seven seasons with the Oakland Athletics (2016-22). He hit two home runs during the 2020 American League Division Series.
Nic Enright (2016-19) - Columbus Clippers (CLE)
Jesse Hahn (2008-10) - Oklahoma City Baseball Club (LAD)
Aaron McGarity (2014-16) - Charlotte Knights (CHW)
Packy Naughton (2015-17) - Memphis Redbirds (STL)
TJ Rumfield (2021) - Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (NYY)
Anthony Simonelli (2020-21) - Omaha Storm Chasers (KC)
Peyton Alford (2019-21) - Arkansas Travelers (SEA)
Zach Brzykcy (2018-20) - Harrisburg Senators (WSH)
Gavin Cross (2020-22) - Northwest Arkansas Naturals (KC)
Jordan Geber (2022) - Binghamton Rumble Ponies (NYM)
Tanner Schobel (2021-22) - Wichita Wind Surge (MIN)
Ian Seymour (2018-20) - Montgomery Biscuits (TB)
Carson Taylor (2019-20) - Reading Fightin Phils (PHI)
Nick Biddison (2019-22) - Great Lakes Loons (LAD)
Graham Firoved (2021-22) - Aberdeen IronBirds (BAL)
Drue Hackenberg (2022-23) - Rome Emperors (ATL)
Cade Hunter (2020-22) - Dayton Dragons (CLE)
Jack Hurley (2021-23) - Hillsboro Hops (ARZ)
Anthony Arguelles (2023) - Fredericksburg Nationals (WSH)
Jonah Hurney (2021-23) - Daytona Tortugas (CIN)
Carson Jones (2021-23) - Modesto Nuts (SEA)
Christian Worley (2021-23) - FCL Cardinals (STL)
Kevin Barker — A first baseman, Barker was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in 1999 and spent parts of five seasons in the majors. (Photo courtesy of the Milwaukee Brewers Baseball Club)
Brad Clontz — A pitcher, Clontz led the majors in appearances in 1996 while wiht the Atlanta Braves and spent seven seasons overall in the majors. (Photo courtesy of the Atlanta Braves)
Franklin Stubbs — A first baseman and outfielder, Stubbs was a first-round draft pick of the Dodgers in 1982 and won a World Series ring with the team in 1988. He played for four different teams over the span of 11 seasons. (Photo courtesy of the Los Angeles Dodgers)
George Canale — Canale, an All-American at Virginia Tech, was a sixth-round draft pick of the Brewers and played in the majors for three seasons. (Photo courtesy of the Milwaukee Brewers Baseball Club)
Mike Williams — A relief pitcher, Williams played 12 seasons in the majors and he led the Pirates with 46 saves in 2002. He finished with 144 career saves. (Photo courtesy of the Pittsburgh Pirates)
Joe Saunders — Saunders, a starting pitcher and a first-round draft pick of the Los Angeles Angels in 2002, won 89 games during a 10-year career. (Photo courtesy of Angels Baseball).