Former Merced County baseball star selected in Major League Draft. Where is he headed?
There was celebration in the Ward house in Merced on Tuesday morning as Braiden Ward’s dream of becoming a professional baseball player came true.
The former El Capitan High and University of Washington star was selected by the Colorado Rockies in the 16th round with the 470th pick in the 2021 Major League Baseball Draft.
Ward, 22, was at home watching the draft with family and friends when he got the news that the Rockies picked him.
“There were a lot of tears and hugs,” Ward said. “My grandfather was there and he started making some drinks. We were celebrating and having a good time.”
Ward says hearing his name relieved a lot of stress as he grew anxious with the 20-round MLB Draft down to its final five rounds. The MLB Draft is usually 40 rounds, but has been shortened the past two years because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2020 draft was just five rounds.
“I was low-key hitting the panic button with only a few rounds left,” Ward said. “The moment I heard my name was so surreal. It was like all this stress left my body from the last two days.”
Ward becomes the first player from El Capitan High to be drafted by an MLB team since the school opened in 2013.
“How exciting for him,” said El Capitan baseball coach Aaron Ruiz. “I’m super stoked, it’s unbelievable. It’s a dream come true for him. All the success he’s had is attributed to all the hard work he’s put in.
“It’s gratifying to see all the work and effort he put in paid off,” Ruiz added. “I’ve been pulling for him the entire time.”
Stellar career at Washington
Ward went on to have an impressive collegiate career at the University of Washington, starting all four years. He started 50 games his freshman year, helping the Huskies reach the College World Series.
The speedster became the first player to lead the Pac-12 in stolen bases all four years. He finished as the all-time Washington stolen base leader with 89 career steals.
The Huskies outfielder hit .301 during his four years at Washington with 189 hits, 124 runs scored, 30 doubles, 10 triples and three home runs in his career.
Ward finished fourth in the nation this past spring with 34 stolen bases and was named to the Pac-12 all-Defensive Team.
Landing in the right organization
Ward said the Colorado Rockies were one of the organizations he considered signing with as a free agent when he wasn’t drafted in the 2020 MLB Draft last year.
Ward said he’s developed relationships with people who are in the organization or have been part of the Rockies organization like former Merced College coach Butch Hughes, who died earlier this year.
“Coach Hughes coached me when I was like 8 years old,” Ward said. “I think he had something to do with the Rockies drafting me. He probably put in a good word.”
Ward drove to Modesto on Tuesday to purchase his first Rockies hat. Ward says if he starts in Low-A ball, he’ll likely begin his career with the Fresno Grizzlies.
“I take pride in a lot of stuff,” Ward said. “I want to help put Merced on the map. Usually you have to include Fresno or Modesto when I tell people where I’m from. I want to do something good for my family and friends.”
