(Bradenton, Fla., August 14, 2024) — Five former State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) Manatees baseball players were selected during the 2024 MLB draft. Brandon Clarke, a left-handed pitcher and 2024 MLB Draft Combine participant, was the first former Manatee chosen. The Boston Red Sox picked Clarke 148th overall in the fifth round.

Before the draft, Clarke said that if selected, he would want to play for a team that would take care of him.

“Whoever gives me the best opportunity to compete is who I want to play for,” Clarke said.

SCF Manatees athletics announced the other 2024 MLB draft picks: Jalen Hairston, an infielder and Clarke’s former teammate, Cincinnati Reds; Christian Gordon, a left-handed pitcher, and Owen Ayers, a switch-hitting catcher and outfielder, Chicago Cubs; and Gavin Adams, a right-handed pitcher and a 2023 Washington Nationals draft pick, Pittsburgh Pirates.

Two additional former Manatees players, Justin Wrobleski and CJ Alexander, made their MLB debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Kansas City Royals, respectively. According to the Manatees head baseball coach Tim Hill, the SCF baseball program has had players drafted in 44 of the last 46 years.

“We’ve had a reallygood stretch for SCF baseball recently,” said Nick Cichielo, SCF’s director of athletics.

For more information about the 2024 draft picks, visit SCFManatees.com.