Western New Yorker selected in 2024 MLB Draft

Zach Evans from Brant, NY was selected 270th overall

“I kind of blacked out a little bit. It didn’t feel real,” said Zach Evans.

The Western New York native was selected in the ninth round of the 2024 MLB Draft by the San Diego Padres. 

But, he wasn’t expecting to get a call. Instead, he was focused on his game that night.

“The thought of getting drafted was definitely in the back of my mind, but it didn’t consume my thoughts,” said Evans. 

His teammates on the Asheboro Zookeepers were by his side when he got the call, and then he called to tell his mom.

“She told me every day since I started playing to believe in myself and never stop chasing a dream. It was a very special moment between us I’ll never forget,” said Evans.

The shortstop, who grew up in Brant, NY, and graduated from Lakeshore High School, played at Niagara County Community College for his first two seasons of college ball. 

“Playing baseball in Buffalo was definitely a grind. As everyone here knows, the weather isn’t always the best. It could be 35 degrees and raining and you still were expected to go out there and perform,” said Evans. “It really taught me how to deal with adversity and play in conditions that weren’t always ideal. With that said, Buffalo helps baseball players  in so many positive ways and provides a lot of exposure for athletes trying to make a name for themselves.”

At NCCC he managed a .351 batting average with 28 RBIs and 33 runs scored in 131 at-bats. 

Evans then transferred to Division II Lenoir-Rhyne for his last two seasons where he was consistently reliable for the Bears in the box and in the field.

“Lenoir- Rhyne not only has a winning culture but they know how to push you to places you never thought you could go. I am grateful for Coach Skonecki, Coach Ramirez, and the rest of the staff for putting me in a position to be the best athlete I could be every day,” said Evans.

The infielder started in all 105 games played at LR. This season alone he posted a .321 batting average with 62 hits, 54 runs, 44 RBIs, 15 doubles, 11 home runs, and two triples. He only struck out 20 times in 193 at-bats and led the team with 23 double plays.

He is only the 10th athlete from Lenoir-Rhyne to be selected in the MLB Draft. 

 “It’s every kid's dream to make it to the big stage and this is one step closer to making that dream a reality for me. I couldn’t be more excited to start,” said Evans.