The 2024 MLB draft is upon us, and young baseball stars all around the country will be anxiously waiting to hear their name called. One of those hopeful players is from right here in Southwest Florida. Naples southpaw Johnny King is hoping to become the first player in Collier County to be drafted out of high school since 2015.
"Since I was a little kid, I wanted to play in the MLB, but I never knew it would be out of high school," King said. "Baseball has been the love of my life ever since I was 6, 7 years old."
The Miami commit dominated on both sides of the ball. He ended his 2024 senior season with a .500 batting average and led Southwest Florida in hits as well as strikeouts on the mound. As the number one pitcher in the state, King (8-1) logged 110 strikeouts over 47 2/3 innings.
"He started throwing above 90 miles an hour as a 16-year-old, and then that's when all the scouting really started," said King's father, John King.
At each game this spring, King would have upward of 50 scouts in the stands, eyeing his every move and seeing what the Prep Baseball Report Florida Player of the Year has to offer.
"Just the hard work that I put in, and how passionate I am for the game and kind of the humble person that I am and just kind of what I do for everybody else," said Johnny King. "I feel like it should pay off for me."
Most recently, King put in work and met with MLB teams at the Draft Combine in Phoenix, featuring the top prospects in the country.
"He's incredible," said John King. "The kid is, I mean, know what to say. He's incredible."
No matter where baseball has taken Johnny, his dad has been there every step of the way.
"He's done everything for me," said Johnny King. "I mean, he's always just always there for me."
And if Johnny gets the big call this weekend, let the road trips begin.
"I'm going to do a lot of traveling and following him around," said John King. "That's my plan, is to retire and chase him."
So this weekend at the King household is all about keeping their spirits high no matter what happens.
"I just have to have some confidence going into this thing," said Johnny King. "I can't wait to see what's going to happen. God's got a plan for me. That's all I can say."
The MLB draft starts on Sunday, July 14.