*Story is co-written by Sophia Squiccirini and Julianne LoFurno*

On Thursday, June 11, former Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School baseball player, Coby Mayo, was selected to play for the Baltimore Orioles during the 2020 Major League Baseball draft. He was chosen as the 103rd pick of the draft and will be playing as a third baseman. Mayo is one of fourteen players to ever be drafted from MSD, following in the footsteps of Matt Fox (2001), Mike Caruso (1995) , Anthony Rizzo (2007) and Jesus Luzardo (2016).

Throughout his life, Mayo strived to be just like his idol, Chicago Cubs first baseman and MSD alumnus Anthony Rizzo. Being from the same high school, Mayo and Rizzo were able to meet each other through mutual connections. The two then began training together, which allowed them to bond and spend quality time with one another. 

“My idol is Anthony Rizzo because he went through a lot during his career, and he overcame [his obstacles]. He’s a high school alumni of mine, and we are very close,” Mayo said.

Perfect Game, a baseball scouting service that hosts travel team baseball tournaments, has ranked Mayo as one of the best third baseman in the country, as well as one of the best players in Florida’s Class of 2020.

Before being drafted by the Baltimore Orioles, Mayo had committed to the University of Florida to play Division One Baseball. 

“Being a Baltimore Oriole is a very surreal feeling,” Mayo said. “I would’ve never really thought when I was a little kid that my dream would come true. The Orioles are such a great organization with great history, and I can’t wait to become a part of their future success.”

Growing up in Coral Springs, Mayo played for multiple baseball teams around the area as well as in Parkland. Starting out young, he played for the Diamond Dawgs little league team. Throughout the entirety of his baseball career at MSD, Mayo played as a third baseman and shortstop. 

During his years playing these positions at MSD, Mayo motivated himself with the dream of playing Major League Baseball.

“I would tell people to always make the sacrifices in order to be a better baseball player/person. Being a great person is important to become a better baseball player. Keep working hard and keep your head straight,” Mayo said. “Being drafted was a childhood dream of mine. I think for almost all kids, it’s a dream that not many can say they’ve accomplished.”

Similar to the National Football League draft, the MLB draft was held virtually and broadcasted on live television through ESPN. Players selected for the draft attended virtually as well.  

With Mayo getting drafted by the Orioles, many of his teammates from MSD look forward to seeing him play in the major leagues. His past colleagues look up to Mayo and see him as a great role model for their team, as well as other aspiring baseball players. 

“Coby is one of the nicest teammates I’ve ever met [and] one of the best players I’ve ever seen play,” MSD catcher Santi Ordonez (#12) said. “He is a leader on and off the field and commands his teammates to get better at practice. Coby will do great at the next level.” 

MSD second baseman Cameron Harriss (#11) also thinks highly of his former captain, Coby Mayo.“Coby is an awesome teammate, and he’s always there to support his team. You couldn’t ask for a better leader,” Harriss said.

Due to COVID-19, the 2020 MLB season is planned to begin on Thursday, July 23. However, this season will only contain around 80 games, as well as the playoffs that lead to the World Series. Despite the delay, Mayo is still very eager to begin his journey playing for the Baltimore Orioles organization this upcoming season.