“I Can’t Describe This Feeling Right Now”: Casey Mize Selected First Overall in MLB Draft

Casey Mize goes number one in the MLB draft on Monday, June 4, 2018, in Auburn, Ala.
Photo: Wade Rackley /Auburn Athletics

Junior right-hander Casey Mize was selected first overall in the 2018 MLB Draft on Monday night by the Detroit Tigers. With the selection, Mize becomes just the fifth player in SEC history to be taken first overall, and the first Auburn Tiger to wear that honor

The suspense is over.

Junior right-handed pitcher Casey Mize was selected by the Detroit Tigers with the first selection of the 2018 MLB Draft on Monday night. The announcement was made at the MLB Network studio in Secaucus, New Jersey by the Commissioner of Major League Baseball, Rob Manfred.

“It means a ton. I’m thankful that the Tigers thought of me high enough to take me with their first selection,” said Mize following the selection on MLB Network. “I can’t describe this feeling right now.”

There were a total of six expected draftees in attendance for the MLB Draft in New Jersey, but Mize watched the draft with his family and friends at the Auburn Athletics Complex on campus. Having his teammates with him was very special for Mize.

“We just came off a big regional win in Raleigh, and I’m so glad that they are here to enjoy this with me. They deserve a part of this, I’m very thankful that they are here with me right now.”

Sitting on either side of Mize where his parents, Rhonda and Jason. Both were filled with jubilation after it was officially announced that their son was the first overall pick of the MLB Draft. Mize immediately gave them praise, along with his brother, for their role in his life and baseball career.

“The first two people I thank are my parents. They have been so supportive my whole life. They have taken me to all of the practices and all of the games, the showcases, and everything. They really set me up for success. I want to thank my brother, Cody. He’s always been somebody that I’ve wanted to chase and be as good as.”

Mize also thanked his travel ball coach and coach Butch Thompson for being influential throughout his career.

Mize is the first player in Auburn Baseball history to be selected with the first overall pick in the MLB Draft, which is a high honor considering the names of Bo Jackson, Frank Thomas, Tim Hudson, Greg Olson, Gabe Gross, and so many others that called Plainsman Park “home.”

Mize is also the fifth player in SEC history to be selected first overall, and the first since Dansby Swanson was selected by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 2015 Draft out of Vanderbilt, Swanson currently plays shortstop for the Atlanta Braves. David Price (Vanderbilt), Luke Hochevar (Tennessee), and Ben McDonald (LSU) were the others. In another interesting tidbit about Mize’s selection, he is the eighth player since 1965 to be selected first overall after going undrafted out of High School.

The Springville native is 10-5 in 2018, with a 2.95 ERA and 151 strikeouts.