Main Street Preps
NASHVILLE WEATHER
physicians-mutual-dental-insurance-banners

Wildcat, Governor, Blue Jay: Garrett Spain selected by Toronto in 2021 MLB Draft





Garrett Spain connects on a ball with Austin Peay. Spain was selected by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 15th round of the 2021 MLB Draft.ROBERT SMITH

Garrett Spain connects on a ball with Austin Peay. Spain was selected by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 15th round of the 2021 MLB Draft.ROBERT SMITH

If you begin seeing an unusual amount of Toronto gear in Clarksville, this is why: former Clarksville High and Austin Peay baseball star Garrett Spain was selected by the Blue Jays in the 15th round of the MLB Draft on Tuesday, July 13.

He was watching the draft on television when suddenly, his name appeared on the ticker as Toronto made its selection, making him the No. 452 overall pick.

“I figured I was going to see it pretty soon,” Spain said. “The Blue Jays were texting me. My agent was calling me. My whole body kind of went numb. I was full of excitement. A lot of nerves. It was kind of a relief.”

Spain had been in contact with the Blue Jays while playing in the MLB Draft League this summer, where he established himself as one of the best players among the six teams. That, along with his excellent two full seasons at Austin Peay, were enough to convince Toronto to scoop him up.

“They’re giving me a chance to prove myself,” Spain said. “They’re giving me a chance to live out my lifelong dream. I couldn’t ask for anything more than that. I’m grateful that they decided to call my name in the draft. I have respect for everyone in the organization right now. I’m grateful.”

 

 

The Clarksville native will join an organization loaded with young talent, including 2021 all-stars Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Teoscar Hernandez and Bo Bichette. That — along with the Blue Jays being the only team based in Canada — makes the franchise a pleasant landing spot for Spain.

“I’ve been told they just built a brand-new facility in Florida,” Spain said. “I’m definitely going to start looking into them, learning stuff about them, talking to guys in the organization. I’m just excited to be a Blue Jay and have the opportunity to prove myself.”

Funnily enough, Spain has been to Canada multiple times to compete in tournaments for one of its most beloved pastimes: hockey.

Spain will head south to Dunedin, Fla. on Thursday, July 15 to take his physical and begin the process of officially joining the organization. Minicamp begins the week of July 19, and the outfielder will be soon assigned to a minor league team.

As a former Wildcat and now Governor, Spain had nothing but love and praise for head coaches Brian Hetland of CHS and Travis Janssen of APSU, crediting them for helping him find his footing as a player.

“Those guys have helped me find the player I am, and create my own model,” he said. “They’ve taught me a lot of the things I know today. To play the right way, how to succeed. I feel very prepared being brought up with those guys mentoring me. I’m very grateful for Austin Peay giving me a shot.

“I had to prove myself to them coming out of high school. I’m excited to be able to prove myself now coming out of college. Both Austin Peay and Clarksville High are top-notch organizations. They’re first class.”

Leave a Reply