By Noah Adcock-Howeth

Two year Lexington County Blowfish player and 2022 First Team All-CPL honoree Brock Vradenburg was selected in the third round of the 2023 MLB Draft today by the Miami Marlins.

Vradenburg leapt onto the national stage this spring after a dynamic summer in Lexington County that saw him break the team record for RBI in a season with 48. Vradenburg, who was the starting first baseman for the CPL Western Division All Stars, hit .344 in 46 games with the Blowfish, leading the league in runs batted in and walking more than he struck out. It was Vradenburg’s second season in Lexington County, appearing in 37 games in 2021 following his freshman year. All told, Brock hit .293 across 83 games with 7 home runs and 75 RBI over two years.

The 6’7 first baseman from Pasadena, CA, added to his list of accolades in a 2023 season that saw him named a 3rd Team Collegiate Baseball All-American and First Team All-Big 10, in addition to being named a semifinalist for both the USA Baseball Golden Spikes Award, given annually to the best amateur player in the nation, and the USBWA Dick Howser Trophy, presented to the top collegiate player of the season. Vradenburg hit an even .400 while starting all 55 games for the Spartans, clubbing 13 homers and tying an MSU record with 22 doubles.

Brock Vradenburg becomes the 104th former Blowfish to be selected in the MLB Draft, and marks the 17th year in a row with at least one selection having spent a summer in Lexington County. Vradenburg’s selection as the 78th pick makes him the highest drafted Blowfish alumnus since 2017, when South Carolina pitcher Wil Crowe went 65th overall to the Washington Nationals. Brock becomes the 6th former Blowfish to be drafted by the Marlins, and the first since 2021 when Brady Allen went in the 5th round.

The entire Lexington County Blowfish organization congratulates Brock on this accomplishment, and wishes him all the best in his future successes.