50 Facts About The MLB Draft

The MLB Draft: A Unique Event

The Major League Baseball (MLB) Draft stands out among professional sports drafts. Unlike other leagues, MLB's draft has its own set of rules, traditions, and quirks. Here are some fascinating facts about this annual event.

1. The MLB Draft began in 1965, making it the oldest of the major sports drafts in the United States.

2. Unlike the NFL and NBA drafts, the MLB Draft takes place in the middle of the season, usually in early June.

3. High school and college players are eligible for the draft, but international players are not.

4. The draft consists of 40 rounds, making it much longer than the drafts of other major sports leagues.

5. The first overall pick in the inaugural 1965 draft was Rick Monday, selected by the Kansas City Athletics.

The Draft Process

Understanding the draft process can be complex. Here are some key points to help clarify how it works.

6. Teams draft in reverse order of their win-loss record from the previous season, giving the worst-performing team the first pick.

7. Players can be drafted out of high school, junior college, or four-year colleges.

8. High school players must be at least 17 years old to be eligible for the draft.

9. College players are eligible after completing their junior year or turning 21 years old.

10. Teams have a set amount of money, known as a "bonus pool," to sign their draft picks.

Notable Draft Picks

Some draft picks have gone on to become legends in the sport. Here are a few notable selections.

11. Ken Griffey Jr. was the first overall pick in the 1987 draft by the Seattle Mariners.

12. Derek Jeter was selected sixth overall by the New York Yankees in the 1992 draft.

13. Alex Rodriguez was the first overall pick in the 1993 draft by the Seattle Mariners.

14. Chipper Jones was the first overall pick in the 1990 draft by the Atlanta Braves.

15. Bryce Harper was the first overall pick in the 2010 draft by the Washington Nationals.

Surprising Draft Facts

The MLB Draft has its share of surprises and interesting tidbits. Here are some you might not know.

16. Mike Piazza, a Hall of Famer, was drafted in the 62nd round of the 1988 draft, making him one of the latest picks to achieve such success.

17. The draft used to have an unlimited number of rounds, but it was reduced to 40 rounds in 2012.

18. In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the draft was shortened to just five rounds.

19. The draft was originally held via conference call, but it has since evolved into a televised event.

20. Some players, like Bo Jackson, have been drafted in multiple sports. Jackson was drafted by the Kansas City Royals in MLB and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFL.

The Impact of the Draft

The draft has a significant impact on the future of MLB teams. Here are some ways it shapes the league.

21. Teams often build their rosters through the draft, focusing on developing young talent.

22. Draft picks can be traded, but only after they have signed with the team that drafted them.

23. The draft helps maintain competitive balance by giving weaker teams access to top talent.

24. Some teams, like the Houston Astros, have used high draft picks to rebuild and become contenders.

25. The draft can also impact a team's financial strategy, as signing bonuses for top picks can be substantial.

The Role of Scouts

Scouts play a crucial role in the draft process. Their evaluations help teams make informed decisions.

26. Scouts travel across the country to watch high school and college games, evaluating players' skills and potential.

27. Teams employ both amateur and professional scouts, with amateur scouts focusing on draft-eligible players.

28. Scouts use a variety of tools, including radar guns and video analysis, to assess players.

29. Relationships between scouts and players can influence draft decisions, as trust and familiarity play a role.

30. Some scouts have become legends in their own right, known for discovering future stars.

Draft Day Traditions

Draft day is filled with traditions and rituals that add to the excitement. Here are a few.

31. Players often gather with family and friends to watch the draft, waiting for their name to be called.

32. Teams announce their picks from their war rooms, where executives and scouts gather to make decisions.

33. The commissioner of MLB announces the first-round picks live on television.

34. Draft picks often receive a phone call from the team that selected them, congratulating them on being drafted.

35. Some players have unique draft day stories, like being drafted while playing in a game or attending a graduation ceremony.

The Future of the Draft

The MLB Draft continues to evolve, with changes aimed at improving the process. Here are some potential future developments.

36. There have been discussions about international players being included in the draft.

37. The draft could be shortened further, focusing on quality over quantity.

38. Technology, like advanced analytics, may play an even bigger role in evaluating draft prospects.

39. The draft could become more of a fan event, with increased media coverage and fan interaction.

40. Changes to the draft's structure and rules could impact how teams approach their selections.

Fun Facts About the Draft

The MLB Draft has plenty of fun and quirky facts that make it unique. Here are a few more to enjoy.

41. The draft has produced numerous Hall of Famers, including Cal Ripken Jr., Tony Gwynn, and Tom Glavine.

42. Some players, like John Elway, have used the threat of playing another sport to influence their draft position.

43. The draft has seen its share of unusual picks, like when the San Diego Padres drafted Johnny Manziel in 2014, despite him being an NFL quarterback.

44. Some players have been drafted multiple times, like Tim Lincecum, who was drafted three times before signing.

45. The draft has inspired movies and books, highlighting the drama and excitement of the event.

The Global Reach of the Draft

While the draft primarily focuses on American players, its impact is felt worldwide. Here are some ways it reaches beyond the U.S.

46. Many MLB teams have international scouting departments that identify talent from around the globe.

47. Some international players attend American high schools or colleges to become eligible for the draft.

48. The draft has helped increase the popularity of baseball in countries like Canada, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic.

49. International players who sign as free agents often follow the draft closely, as it can impact their opportunities.

50. The draft's influence extends to youth baseball programs worldwide, inspiring young players to dream of being drafted one day.

The Final Pitch

The MLB Draft is a treasure chest of surprises and quirks. From the first overall picks who became legends to the late-round gems who defied the odds, this event is a rollercoaster of dreams and drama. Understanding the draft process, the rules, and the stories behind the picks adds a whole new layer of appreciation for the game. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual observer, knowing these 50 facts can make watching the draft even more exciting. So next time you tune in, you'll have a deeper insight into the strategies and stories that shape the future of baseball. Keep these facts in mind, and you'll see the draft in a whole new light. Happy watching!