Top Marlins draft pick JJ Bleday has a famous fan already: Ken Griffey Jr.
On Monday, the Marlins selected Vanderbilt outfielder JJ Bleday with the fourth overall pick of the 2019 MLB Draft. Being chosen within the top five is no small feat, and as the team's highest draft pick since 2000, Bleday will have some lofty expectations.
Bleday has a bright future, though. Don't believe us? Maybe a certain Hall of Fame outfielder who was also a top draft pick can convince you.
The Kid likes what he sees from @Marlins No. 4 pick @BledayJay. #MLBDraft pic.twitter.com/oABKQtZN1F
— MLB (@MLB) June 4, 2019
Strong words! If Ken Griffey Jr. likes what you're doing, then you're definitely doing something right.
It's plain to see why he likes Bleday so much, even though Griffey downplayed his own power as a young player in the video. ("Late developer?" Come on, Junior.) They both have sweet lefty swings and a penchant for pop -- Griffey's home run heroics are legendary and Bleday led all Division 1 hitters with 26 dingers in the regular season.
Griffey's an icon, but he doesn't have to convince these guys of Bleday's prowess. They loved him already.
From the 615 to the 305. @BledayJay is drafted by the @Marlins.
— Vanderbilt Baseball (@VandyBoys) June 3, 2019
Congratulations, JJ! #MLBDraft | #VandyBoys pic.twitter.com/TKxOdjRqvk
Andrew Mearns is a writer for Cut4 whose baseball obsession was born from the shattered dreams of Mike Mussina's perfect game attempt in 2001. He has a startling memory of World Series highlights that barely functions as a party trick.
