SWAC infielder first HBCU player picked in 2024 MLB Draft

Courtesy of Alabama State Athletics

MONTGOMERY, Ala. | HBCU baseball player Randy Flores of Alabama State University was drafted by the Los Angeles Angels Baseball Club in the eighth round of the 2024 Major League Baseball (MLB) Amateur draft on Monday, July 15, 2024. Flores was the first HBCU baseball player taken in the 2024 MLB Draft.

“I am extremely proud of the hard work Randy has put in to make the dream of playing professional baseball come true,” Alabama State University Head Baseball Coach Jose Vazquez said. “He has always represented ASU well and deserves this opportunity. The Angels are getting a future star.”

Flores, the 262nd overall pick, is the first Hornet player drafted since infielder Ray Hernandez was selected in the 29th round by the Atlanta Braves in 2018.

In 2024, Flores ranked in the top 10 in the SWAC in eight categories, leading the conference in hits (74), hits per game (1.42), and the toughest to strikeout (11.2). His 31 stolen bases rank third in the SWAC and 16th nationally, and his .60 stolen bases per game are fourth in the SWAC and 19th in the NCAA. Flores has four triples (4th SWAC) and is hitting .347 (16th SWAC), nine home runs (T4th SWAC), 53 runs scored (8thSWAC), and 42 RBI.

The Brooklyn, N.Y., native played and started 114 games and was a two-time First-Team All-SWAC selection over his seasons with the Hornets. He batted .338, 159 hits, 119 runs scored, 25 doubles, seven triples, and 20 home runs. Flores drove in 98 runs, stole 68 bases, slugged .549, and had a .421 on-base percentage in his HBCU baseball career .

Alabama State Baseball in the Pros

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