By: Brian Howard
GRAMBLING, La. | Grambling State University sophomore catcher John Garcia was selected in the 19th round of the 2022 Major League Baseball Draft on Tuesday afternoon.
"It's a blessing and I am so proud of John and what he has accomplished this year," Grambling State head baseball coach Davin Pierre said. "This is the icing on the cake to be drafted and to get a chance to live his dream. His success is also a huge accomplishment for our program here at Grambling State. We strive to ensure that our student-athletes know that if they come to Grambling State, they can accomplish a life goal of playing professionally, like John has. I know John will be an exceptional asset to the Houston Astros organization and will represent himself and the GRAMBLING family well!"
Garcia, an ABCA/Rawlins All-Region Second-Team selection, was chosen with the 583rd picked by the Astros and is the first Grambling State baseball player selected in the MLB Draft since the Arizona Diamondbacks chose Marshawn Taylor in 2018.
"It feels great just because I got drafted," Garcia said. "My dream just came true. Now I have to accomplish my goal that is to get to the majors."
The Bronx, N.Y. native, who started 53 of 55 games he played and was a member of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) First Team honoree, batted .409 on the year.
Garcia led one of the most prolific offensive teams in the SWAC, ranking in the top five in nine different conference batting categories. He ranked second in batting average, slugging percentage (.679) and runs batted in (67). He ranked first on base percentage (.515) and OPS (1.194). His 10 home runs were tied for third most in the SWAC and his 18 doubles landed him in fifth. In addition, he also registered two triples and stole four bases.
As the starting catcher, Garcia also threw out 18 runners on stolen base attempts, which also ranks second in the SWAC.
He also participated in the MBP HBCU All-Star Game on June 3.
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