VMI infielder/pitcher Nathan Eaton has been selected by the Kansas City Royals in the 21st round of the 2018 MLB Draft, held Wednesday via conference call. Eaton joins Josh Winder (7th round, Twins) and Matt Pita (12th round, Yankees) as VMI draft selections thus far, marking the first time since 2008 and only the third time in school history that VMI has had that many draft picks in a single season.
Eaton, who played in all but one game in 2018, hit .287 as a redshirt sophomore. He led off in all 52 of his games played and tallied 51 runs scored, eight homers and most impressively of all, a school record 36 stolen bases.
Eaton ranked as high as second in Division I in that statistic at various points during the year, and he earned Second Team All-SoCon (Coaches’ Team) for his efforts, which also included making 17 appearances on the mound. He went 2-1 with a 4.44 ERA and held opponents to a .212 batting average.
With the selection of Eaton, VMI has had three players drafted before the 25th round for the first time in school history.
The 2018 MLB Draft continues later Wednesday on MLB.com
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Chris Graham
