SECAUCUS, N.J. – Freshman outfielder
Jordan Barnes of Northwest has been selected in the 15th round by the New York Yankees on the final day of the 2013 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft Saturday.
"When I saw my name pop up, it was a dream come true and an unbelievable feeling," Barnes said. "I'm blessed to even be in this situation and just want to thank God. It goes to show that dreams come true if you just work hard, keep your head down and stay focused for what you want."
As the 464th overall pick, Barnes is the fourth highest draft choice in the school's baseball history behind
Cody Reed (2nd, 46th overall),
Bill Selby (13th, 366th overall) and Chad Cregar (15th, 458th overall).
In his only season in a Ranger uniform, the Arlington High School (Tenn.) product hit .324 with 10 doubles, three triples, a home run, 24 RBIs and 31 runs scored. A First Team All-MACJC selection, Barnes was also a team-best 22-for-22 in stolen bases with a team-leading .475 on-base percentage.
Barnes will leave for Tampa on Monday and sign his contract with the Yankees. He'll begin conditioning for the organization and will most likely be placed in a league in Florida beginning June 21.
"It probably won't sink in until I get off that plane on Monday," Barnes said. "Once I get to the facility and my name is on the locker, this time it will be legit. To be in this situation and get drafted by the team that I really wanted to go to is just crazy. I'm really excited to start my professional career and work as hard as I can to get to the big leagues."
Barnes is the 14th all-time draft pick from Northwest and the second this year behind Reed.
