Historic number of 6-4-3 DP Baseball players selected in 2017 MLB Draft

Marietta, Georgia -

Since its creation in 2007, 6-4-3 DP Baseball has experienced many reasons to celebrate and many “firsts” to share.  In our short existence as a best-in-class baseball academy, 189 student-athletes (and counting) from 6-4-3 have earned the opportunity to play collegiate baseball.  In addition, thirteen (13) total players within the 6-4-3 organization have been selected in the MLB Draft from 2008-2016.  

The 2017 MLB Draft held last week over June 12-14 was another historic and monumental event for the players of 6-4-3 DP Baseball.  More 6-4-3 players were selected in the 2017 draft than in any previous draft.  For the first time in the 6-4-3 organization’s history, eight players (HS and college) were selected in the same draft.  Six of those players were juniors or seniors in college.  Two of those players were high school seniors.  2017 is the fifth consecutive year that a 6-4-3 player/alum has been drafted.  To date, twenty-one players from within the 6-4-3 organization (including 2017 draftees) have been selected in the MLB Draft.    

Drew Waters - Etowah High School senior OF - pictured above with 6-4-3's David Carr (L) and Danny Pralgo (R)

Sean Guenther - University of Notre Dame junior LHP

Sam Fuller - Whitefield Academy senior RHP

Jonathan Pryor - Wake Forest University senior OF

Connor Johnstone - Wake Forest University senior RHP

Jackson Lourie - Rhodes College senior RHP

Charlie Madden - Mercer University senior C

Jim Voyles - Florida State University senior RHP

2017 marks the first time in 6-4-3 DP Baseball history that eight (8) players (high school seniors or alums in college) were selected in the same MLB Draft.  Note: Previous high total was 4 players (2016 draft).

2017 – Sean Guenther (7^th Round, Miami Marlins), Jonathan Pryor (19^th Round, Washington Nationals), Connor Johnstone (21^st Round, Atlanta Braves), Jackson Lourie (24^th Round, Atlanta Braves), Charlie Madden (24^th Round, Boston Red Sox), and Jim Voyles (38^th Round, St. Louis Cardinals) 

2016 – Josh Merrigan (10^th Round, Texas Rangers) and Charlie Madden (25^th Round, Chicago White Sox)

2015 – Stephen Moore (10^th Round, Atlanta Braves) and Zack Bowers (24^th Round, San Francisco Giants)

2013 – Kent Emanuel (3^rd Round, Houston Astros) and Jared Breen (24^th Round, Baltimore Orioles)

2017 – Drew Waters (2^nd Round, Atlanta Braves) and Sam Fuller (14^th Round, Angels)

2016 – Matt Rowland (11^th Round, Atlanta Braves) and Grayson Harbin (35^th Round, New York Mets)

2010 - Kent Emanuel (19th Round, Pittsburgh Pirates) and Andrew Smith (40th Round, Oakland A's)

2017 marks the third time a 6-4-3 player was drafted twice in his career:

Charlie Madden (2016 - 25^th Round, Chicago White Sox; 2017 - 24^th Round, Boston Red Sox)

Kent Emanuel (2010 – 19^th Round, Pittsburgh Pirates, 2013 – 3^rd Round, Houston Astros)

Mathew Price (2008 - 34th Round, Atlanta Braves; 2010 – 8th Round, Boston Red Sox)

2017 marks the third consecutive year in 6-4-3 DP Baseball history that a 6-4-3 player was selected by our hometown team - the Atlanta Braves - in the MLB Draft:

2017 – Drew Waters, OF; Connor Johnstone, RHP; Jackson Lourie, RHP

2016 – Matt Rowland, RHP

2015 – Stephen Moore, RHP

The 2017 MLB Draft also witnessed Drew Waters becoming the highest drafted 6-4-3 player in the organization’s history.  Drew was taken 41^st overall by the Atlanta Braves.  Note: Kent Emanuel was taken 74^th overall in the 2013 MLB Draft and is now the 2^nd highest drafted player in 6-4-3’s history.  Sean Guenther was selected this year with the 209^th overall pick and is now the 3^rd highest drafted player in 6-4-3’s history.

Being selected in the MLB Draft is a tremendous accomplishment and honor for hardworking, talented, and dedicated young men and their supportive families. The MLB Draft also offers a tremendous source of pride for the 6-4-3 DP Baseball organization when one our own is validated with an opportunity to become a professional baseball player.  6-4-3 is incredibly proud of all these young men.  A special recognition goes to 6-4-3's class of 2013 that now holds the title of high school graduating class with the most drafted players (6 total as Charlie Madden was drafted in both 2016 and 2017).

Prior to this year’s draft selections, 6-4-3 has proudly witnessed thirteen players earn a selection in the MLB Draft: