A fleet-footed senior from Monsignor McClancy Memorial High School in East Elmhurst became Queens’ highest Major League Baseball (MLB) draft pick in the last 21 years.
As reported by the New York Post, Quentin Holmes, 17, was selected in the second round (64th overall) by the Cleveland Indians in the three-day MLB draft on Monday, June 12. The 6-foot 2-inch center fielder has committed to attend Mississippi State University in the fall.
“I am extremely blessed and thankful to have been selected by the Indians,” Holmes said on his Instagram page. “Thanks to everyone who supported and rooted for me along the way!”
According to the Post, as a high schooler, Holmes was ranked No. 33 by MLBPipeline.com and No. 50 by Baseball America, and some even projected the speedster to be a first-round pick in the draft.
For Monsignor McClancy, Holmes hit .420 with 18 extra-base hits, seven home runs, 33 runs scored, and 22 stolen bases in 23 tries this year, the Post reported.
Over his high school career Holmes has earned a plethora of accolades including a spot on the 2016 Perfect Game All-American Classic team, according to perfectgame.org, as well as the 2016-2017 Gatorade Player of the Year award.
Aside from his blazing speed, scouts believe Holmes has the potential to be a top-tier leadoff hitter in the MLB, when he eventually makes it to the show.
