Cincinnati Reds pick Eagle pitcher in MLB draft
- Terrisa Mark
- Athletics
- Contributors: James Greco, Photos
2 – minute read
A Florida Gulf Coast University pitcher has been selected in the Major League Baseball draft for a third consecutive year.
The Cincinnati Reds picked right‑hander Justin Henschel in the seventh round July 14.
“This moment marks the culmination of years of dedication, resilience and unwavering determination,” said FGCU baseball coach Dave Tollett. “Justin’s story is one of true perseverance. He joined our program as a walk‑on with a dream — and today that dream became a reality.”
Henschel, selected at No. 204 by the Reds, embodies the Green and Blue — he played his entire collegiate career at FGCU.
“There is no one more deserving of this opportunity, and his journey serves as a powerful inspiration to aspiring players everywhere,” Tollett added.
Ranked No. 101 in D1Baseball’s Pitcher Position Rankings, Henschel was named to the ASUN preseason team after being selected as the top draft prospect in the conference. Last season, he earned All‑ASUN Tournament honors.
This year, Henschel posted a 0.00 ERA in 12 innings, striking out 13 batters, going 1–0 and allowing eight hits. The Plantation, Florida, native held opponents to a .186 batting average and threw a season‑high five innings with no runs allowed against Stony Brook in February. He also struck out nine in five shutout innings during FGCU’s 9–1 season‑opening win over Fairfield at Swanson Stadium in February.
