Kevin Bazzell
| Kevin Bazzell | |
|---|---|
| Washington Nationals | |
| Catcher | |
| Born: March 29, 2003 Dallas, Texas, U.S. | |
Bats: Right Throws: Right |
Kevin Chet Bazzell (born March 29, 2003) is an American professional baseball catcher in the Washington Nationals organization. He was drafted by the Nationals in the 3rd round of the 2024 MLB draft.
Amateur career
[edit]Bazzell grew up in Rockwall, Texas and attended Rockwall-Heath High School.[1] He was named the area Offensive Player of the Year by The Dallas Morning News as a senior after he batted .438 with five home runs and 36 RBI.[2]
Bazzell enrolled at Dallas Baptist University and took part in the Patriots' fall practices before deciding to transfer to Texas Tech University at the end of his first semester at the school. He was forced to sit out out his true freshman season due to NCAA rules and used a redshirt.[3] As a redshirt freshman, he served as the Red Raiders' starting third baseman and was named a freshman All-American by Baseball America after hitting .348 with 24 doubles, 10 home runs, and 62 RBI.[4] In 2023, he played collegiate summer baseball with the Falmouth Commodores of the Cape Cod Baseball League.[5] Before the start of his redshirt sophomore season moved from third base to catcher, after the previous starting catcher Hudson White transferred to Arkansas.[6][7]
Professional career
[edit]Bazzell was drafted by the Washington Nationals in the 3rd round, with the 79th overall selection, of the 2024 Major League Baseball draft. On July 19, 2024, Bazzell signed with the Nationals on a $980,000 contract.[8]
References
[edit]- ^ "5 players to know at the 2021 UIL 6A state baseball tournament, including a duo of catchers". The Dallas Morning News. June 9, 2021. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
- ^ "The Dallas Morning News' 2021 baseball awards: Offensive, Pitcher, Coach and Newcomer of the Year". The Dallas Morning News. July 1, 2021. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
- ^ "Delayed arrival: Tech's Bazzell takes off after redshirt year". Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. April 5, 2023. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
- ^ "Texas Tech's Kevin Bazzell garners award, Hudson White reportedly transfers to Arkansas". Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. June 12, 2023. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
- ^ "Kevin Bazzell - Profile". pointstreak.com. Retrieved July 16, 2024.
- ^ "Change in store for Texas Tech baseball players Kevin Bazzell, Austin Green". Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. January 26, 2024. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
- ^ Williams, Don (February 29, 2024). "Tim Tadlock would like Kevin Bazzell to 'catch 162 games if he can'". Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
- ^ "Nats sign top Draft pick King, 3rd-rounder Bazzell". mlb.com. Retrieved July 24, 2024.
External links
[edit]- Career statistics and player information from MLB, or Baseball Reference (Minors)
- Texas Tech Red Raiders bio