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Nationals Take 17-Year-Old Eli Willits with No. 1 Pick in Draft
FULTON COUNTY, GEORGIA, JUL 12 – Eli Willits, the youngest ever first overall pick, reclassified to graduate early aiming to reach MLB by 20, chosen for his hitting, defense, and strong makeup, Nationals said.
- On Sunday night, the Washington Nationals selected Eli Willits with the first overall pick in Atlanta, seen by some as a surprise.
- Following the firings, Mike DeBartolo assumed the role of interim general manager, resulting in organizational upheaval before the draft.
- With a nod to pedigree, DeBartolo highlighted Eli Willits as `the best hitter in the draft and best fielder in the draft`, adding `makeup and intangibles`, and noted his lineage.
- That pick kicked off a record total of 17 shortstops in the first round, and Mike DeBartolo said, `Eli Willits was the best hitter in the draft and best fielder in the draft`.
- Still just 17 and not turning 18 until December, Willits suggests a promising long-term outlook for the Washington Nationals as a rising star. His youth indicates potential for sustained success.
235 Articles
235 Articles
Eli Willits drafted by Washington Nationals with No. 1 overall pick in MLB draft
The Washington Nationals selected Oklahoma high school shortstop Eli Willits with the No. 1 pick in Major League Baseball’s amateur draft in a selection seen by some as a surprise.
Kingsport Times-News
Nationals take high school shortstop Eli Willits with No. 1 pick in draft
ATLANTA — The Washington Nationals selected Oklahoma high school shortstop Eli Willits on Sunday night with the No. 1 pick in Major League Baseball’s amateur draft in a selection seen by some as a surprise.
The Baltimore Sun
Nationals take shortstop Eli Willits with No. 1 pick in MLB draft
ATLANTA — The Washington Nationals selected Oklahoma high school shortstop Eli Willits on Sunday night with the No. 1 pick in Major League Baseball’s amateur draft in a selection seen by some as a surprise. The 17-year-old Willits is the youngest player taken No. 1 overall since Ken Griffey Jr. with Seattle in 1987. He’s the son of ex-big leaguer Reggie Willits, who played six seasons with the Los Angeles Angels and also coached with the New Yor…
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