(Bradenton, Fla., July 11, 2024) — Brandon Clarke, a 21-year-old, talented left-handed pitcher and student at State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF), is a prospect in the 2024 MLB Draft airing July 14-16. Clarke delivered an impressive performance at the 2024 MLB Draft Combine and may become the next player in SCF’s history to be selected by an MLB team.

One of more than 300 invited 2024 combine players, Clarke stood out on day two with his exceptional arm strength and 96 mph throws, according to an MLB news report, which ranks Clarke 177 on the MLB Pipeline’s Draft Top 200. Clarke is the third SCF player to participate in the prestigious combine event, which launched in 2021. SCF Manatees’ former right-handed pitchers Gavin Adams and Michael Forret attended the 2023 combine, said Tim W. Hill II, The Manatees head baseball coach. The Baltimore Orioles selected Forret as overall pick 421 in round 14 of the 2023 draft.  

Clarke felt honored to participate in this year’s combine.

“It was fun to be around a lot of baseball players and a lot of talent,” Clarke said. “I saw a lot of guys that I’ve known growing up and playing together. I pitched well out there. I’m happy I decided to do it,” he said.

He plans to watch the draft at his house in North Carolina with a group of 10-15 friends and family members.

“I’ve worked for this my whole life,” Clarke said. “God has blessed me with the talent and gifts to get to this point. I’m anxious to get selected hopefully, get rolling and get my professional career going.”

Growing up in Virginia, Clarke played baseball at age four and basketball. He enjoyed practicing with his older sister, who played softball, and his father, who played Division I baseball. After Clarke graduated from high school, his family moved to North Carolina. He has attended and pitched at the University of Alabama and SCF. He studied business entrepreneurship at SCF and earned an A.A. degree. He is currently committed to attending the University of South Carolina, where he would play for the Gamecocks under its new head coach, Paul Mainieri, if he is not chosen in the draft.

Clarke is ranked the third best junior college left-handed pitcher, according to a Gamecocks news report. One team that is possibly considering Clarke early in the draft is the Milwaukee Brewers, according to a Milwaukee Brewers news report.

His performance at SCF was remarkable.  

“He struck out the most batters in the state this season and was among the top 20 in the state in earned run average,” said Nick Cichielo, SCF’s director of athletics. “Using regular season statistics only, Brandon was among the top five pitchers in the nation in strikeouts.”

Cichielo praises Clarke as a phenomenal person with a militaristic, disciplined approach to baseball.

“He works very hard at his craft—one of the hardest-working college players I’ve seen,” Cichielo said. “He is constantly absorbing information and working to get better.”

Playing for The Manatees helped shape Clarke’s life and abilities.

“My team over the last two years has been great,” Clarke said. “The coaches were all key factors in my success as a baseball player and as a man. We have a great group of guys. It was a fun season.”

For more information about SCF’s athletics programs, visit SCFManatees.com.

Photo caption: SCF Manatees Baseball Pitcher Brandon Clarke

Photo credit: State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota