Mariners Select C/OF Harry Ford 12th Overall in MLB Draft
Ford is Mariners first high school selection in 1st round since 2014
SEATTLE, Wash. — The Seattle Mariners have selected catcher/outfielder Harry Ford out of North Cobb High School (Kennesaw, Georgia) with their first selection (12th overall) in the 2021 First-Year Player Draft, Director of Amateur Scouting Scott Hunter announced tonight.
Ford, 18, hit .343 (96x280) with 83 runs scored, 20 doubles, 7 triples, 7 home runs, 57 RBI, 76 walks, 40 strikeouts and 32 stolen bases in 104 games over 4 seasons with North Cobb High School. He got on-base at a .510 clip, slugging .539 with a 1.049 OPS in his high school career with the Warriors. He reached base safely in 30 of 33 games in his senior season.
The 5-foot-10, 200-pound catcher/outfielder is rated as the #13 overall draft prospect, the #9 position player and the #5 high school position player by MLB.com. He committed to Georgia Tech on August 4, 2019.
Ford is Seattle’s first high school selection in the 1st round since outfielder Alex Jackson was taken 6th overall in the 2014 draft. Ford is the 2nd consecutive Mariners first rounder from the state of Georgia (Emerson Hancock, 6th overall, University of Georgia/Cairo HS) and the 3rd in the last 6 drafts (Kyle Lewis, 11th overall in 2016, Mercer University/Shiloh HS).
Ford was named a 2020 Perfect Game USA All-American Classic Player, appearing on the East Roster. He hit a two-run homer in the 10th inning of that game and earned the Perfect Game USA “Nick Adenhart” Award.
Ford’s Notable Awards
· 2021 Baseball-America High School All-American — 2nd team
· 2020 Perfect Game USA All-American Classic Team
· 2020 Perfect Game USA “Nick Adenhart” Award
· 2020 Baseball Factory All-American
“Harry is unique five-tool player since he is a catcher,” Hunter said. “A tremendous athlete that will thrive in all areas of the game. Even though he could play center field or even second base we see Harry as a catcher that has a chance to impact the game with not only his bat and defense but also with his legs as he is a plus runner. We couldn’t be more thrilled to add an athlete like this to our system.”
The 2021 MLB First-Year Player Draft continues tomorrow with rounds 2–10 (starts at 10:00 a.m. PT). Rounds 11–20 will take place on Tuesday, beginning at 9:00 a.m. PT.
