Braves draft Logan Samuels from University of Montevallo, becomes UM’s No. 1 overall draft pick – Shelby County Reporter

By ANDREW SIMONSON | Sports Editor

ARLINGTON, Texas – After growing up and playing in Braves country, one of the Falcons’ best players will represent the purple and gold in the Atlanta Braves organization.

The Braves drafted Montevallo pitcher Logan Samuels in the eighth round of the 2024 MLB draft on Monday, July 15 in Arlington, Texas.

Samuels is now the highest pick in University of Montevallo program history after Atlanta selected the right-hander with the 251st overall pick. The previous highest pick was Rusty Greer, who was drafted in the 10th round in 1990 by the Texas Rangers.

“I couldn’t be happier or prouder for Logan,” said Montevallo head baseball coach Chandler Rose. “He’s a fantastic young man and an incredible teammate. He comes from an incredible family and has a tremendous work ethic. It’s been so much fun watching him develop over the last four years and we’re excited to continue watching him pursue his dream.”

In 14 appearances during the 2024 season, Samuels has 69 strikeouts against just 15 walks in 59.2 innings. This came after a junior season in which he went 7-1 with 71 strikeouts.

He is one of the best pitchers in program history with his 190 career strikeouts, which ranks third all-time since Montevallo joined the NCAA. He is also in the top 10 in career wins with 15, games started with 38 and innings pitched with 180.

Sanders competed for four seasons with the Falcons and was named to the Gulf South Conference All-Academic Team in 2023 and the Academic Honor Roll in 2022 and 2021.

Prior to playing for Montevallo, Sanders grew up in Winfield, Alabama and played at Winfield High School in Class 3A.

Of Montevallo’s 19 draft picks in program history, Sanders is the first to be drafted by the Braves. Additionally, Sanders is a Braves fan, as he lists Atlanta as his favorite sports team on the athletic department’s website.

Sanders is also the first Falcon drafted since Tyler Krabbe in 2019 by the Astros in the 19th round, as well as the first pitcher since Mick Fieldbinder in 1996.

“We have had so many incredible players take part in this tradition over the 66 years of this program’s rich history and to be the highest-ever pick is an incredible and well-deserved honor,” Rose said.