PARKLAND, Fla. – UPDATE: Stoneman Douglas graduate Coby Mayo was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the fourth round of the MLB draft (No. 103 pick overall) on Thursday night, and he has reportedly signed with the team for $1.75M, forgoing a college career at Florida.
Coby Mayo, Orioles pick No. 103 overall, agrees to deal. $1.75M. Strong armed 3B with big power and U. of Florida commit is from Marjory Stoneman Douglas in Parkland, Fla.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) June 12, 2020
ORIGINAL STORY: In many ways, Coby Mayo was like the hundreds of baseball prospects just waiting to hear their names called in this week’s MLB draft.
But in many ways, the recent Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School graduate’s path has been much different.
“Of course the shooting happened my sophomore year, and that kind of made me mature faster than a lot of kids had to in high school,” said the power-hitting third baseman. “I remember basically everything [from Feb. 14, 2018], but the hardest part was going home after everything happened and realizing that you know this name, you know this name, you know this name [among the victims].”
Then, this year the coronavirus hit, taking away the end of Mayo’s senior season, as well as prom and graduation.
But he says his experience has taught him to appreciate every moment — and what he does have.
“I’m grateful for another day of life, and another day to appreciate baseball and family and friends and everything it’s given me,” Mayo said.
Mayo, who attended the same high school that produced Chicago Cubs star Anthony Rizzo, said he was trying to keep his cool as the draft neared.
“Waking up this morning, it’s definitely a nerve-racking feeling knowing that your life could change today,” he said. “But I’m going to sit here today, talk to my family and friends, play some video games.”