BUFFALO, N.Y. — The 2024 MLB Draft is in the books and a few local connections had their dreams of hearing their names called come true.
Canisius outfielder and West Seneca East grad Jackson Strong was the first one, going to the Detroit Tigers in the seventh round on Monday.
He wasn't the only Western New York native or player at a WNY school to get drafted though.
Lake Shore alum Zach Evans was selected in the 9th round by the San Diego Padres.
Evans started off his collegiate career at Niagara County Community College before transferring to Division II school Lenoire-Rhyne.
He hit .321 this season for the Bears and becomes just the 10th draft pick ever for that program.
Tuesday saw a pair of Niagara Purple Eagles' teammates get drafted.
First baseman Eric Rataczak went in the 16th to the Miami Marlins. Rataczak earned MAAC Player of the Year honors in 2024, hitting .396 and setting program records with 17 home runs and 71 RBI.
The Nationals followed that up by picking his teammate pitcher Ryan Minckler in the 19th round.
Minckler earned 2nd-team all-conference honors this year, putting up a 6-2 record with a 4.21 ERA and 56 strikeouts this season.
The two players were part of a Niagara team that made history this past season, winning the program's first conference title and appearing in the NCAA Tournament for the first time as well.
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