Prince George’s Jared Young is on cloud nine!
The Old Dominion University (ODU) Monarchs’ second baseman became the highest player picked from the northern capital after being selected in the 15th round, 465th overall by the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday.
The World Series champs were one of a few teams to make contact with Young.
“There was a few that showed a little bit of interest but nothing to major. I’m just glad it came down to being the Cubs and I’m glad they pulled the trigger.”
This is the third year in a row the Cubs have selected a player from ODU.
Chicago selected PJ Higgins in 2015 (12th round), Connor Myers in 2016 (27th round) followed by Young this year.
BREAKING: #CityOfPG's @jaredyoung9 has been selected by #WorldSeries champion @Cubs in 15th round, 465th overall in #MLBDraft2017 | #Sports pic.twitter.com/k80PyJcCoU
— My Prince George Now (@mypgnow) June 14, 2017
At what point was getting drafted a possibility?
“Going to school at Old Dominion you always have that possibility and you always want to play well enough so that you can give yourself that chance. I would say about halfway through the season I thought getting drafted could be a reality,” says Young.
“It’s definitely been a wild ride. I feel like I’ve come a long way, it’s definitely been a very fun ride and I wouldn’t change it any other way.”
INF Jared Young | 15th Round (465th Overall) | #Cubs | #MLBDraft #CBNDraft pic.twitter.com/HZOHRcShAU
— Canadian Baseball (@CDNbaseball) June 14, 2017
The local product also had the opportunity to share the experience with fellow team mate Zach Rutherford, who was selected by the Tampa Bay Rays in the sixth round of the draft.
“He was actually there in the room with me when I got picked he came over that morning and then went and got breakfast and everything. It’s pretty special since he’s a great guy and I wish him all the best in whatever comes now.”
He is now bound for Oregon where he’s expected to suit up for the Eugene Emeralds in the Northwest Baseball League, the Cubs’ A-level affiliate.
Jared is expected to sign a pro-contract with Chicago.
If he puts to pen to paper, he will forego his final season of NCAA eligibility.
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