Following an impressive conclusion to his tenure at Panas High School, Sammy Stafura is all set to embark on an exhilarating new chapter of his baseball career.
It has indeed been a whirlwind of achievements for the distinguished shortstop, who was handpicked in the early second round by the Cincinnati Reds during the Major League Baseball Draft on Sunday evening. This comes on the heels of Stafura assisting Panas secure its inaugural Section 1 title, culminating in a memorable state finals appearance.
Drafted 43rd overall, the pick’s estimated value stands at $2 million, as per MLB.com.
The 2023 all-section baseball player, and Westchester/Putnam Player of the Year, Sammy Stafura, also secured the prestigious title of Gatorade New York Player of the Year in 2023, further cementing his impressive stature.
Not one to rest on his laurels, Stafura set off for the MLB Draft Combine at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona, shortly after wrapping up his high school season. He demonstrated his prowess and held discussions with representatives from 23 out of 30 MLB franchises.
Stafura, who recently got drafted, now faces a crucial decision: should he step into the professional realm by signing with the Reds, or further refine his skills at Clemson University, to which he committed back in 2021?
Stafura’s high school career has been nothing short of phenomenal. His final season saw him achieving career-best figures in virtually every metric during a campaign teeming with accolades. Standing at 6 feet, Stafura led the team with a .516 batting average, delivering 48 hits, which included 14 doubles, four triples, and 11 home runs. His impressive stats also include 40 RBI, 50 runs, 29 stolen bases, a 1.107 slugging percentage, and a 1.690 OPS.
Coach Anthony Fata from Panas could not be more complimentary about the determined Stafura. Fata marveled at his concentration and readiness, particularly under the scrutiny of countless spectators, and his impressive performance on the grand stage.
In addition to the all-section, Conference 2, and league Player of the Year titles, Stafura was one of the only three baseball players in Section 1 history to claim the Gatorade New York Player of the Year award, and the first from the Panthers’ program to clinch that honor.
Journal News/lohud.com also acknowledged Stafura’s exceptional skills by naming him Westchester/Putnam Baseball Player of the Year.
Fata is confident that Stafura’s journey has just begun. The coach believes that his protégé, already physically capable, still possesses untapped potential that will further unfold as he continues to strengthen his abilities.
More updates will follow on this story.
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