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The Baltimore Orioles selected former StC star and Virginia shortstop Griff O'Ferrall '21 with the 32nd overall pick in the first round of the Major League Baseball draft Sunday, July 14. 

O'Ferrall becomes the highest drafted baseball player in the school's history. Austin Wates '07 was a 3rd round pick in 2010 by the Houston Astros.

"Going to a team like the O's," O'Ferrall said, "the farm system and big league team is unbelievable. And it's so close to home. It's pretty surreal."

O'Ferrall set many UVA records, including most hits in a season (108). Though he's a handful at the plate, the Gold Glover's defense, according to many experts, was second to none at shortstop. He was a multiple-time all-ACC selection, an All-American, played on the USA U-20 team, captured the Brooks Wallace Award as the nation's top college baseball shortstop, and led the Hoos to two College World Series appearances.

Before starring in Charlottesville, O'Ferrall earned multiple awards in high school, including Virginia Gatorade player of the year.

"It's a lot of cool stuff. It's hard for me to wrap my head around," O'Ferrall said. "I think we're still all in shock. I don't think it's ever going to feel normal; which is good, it shouldn't."

Nothing is normal about O'Ferrall's renowned work ethic, and his ability to adapt to the next level and lead in a multitude of ways. It's an example that every student athlete at St. Christopher's should strive to follow.

"Our varsity players now, they want to be the next Griff O'Ferrall. They want to be the next Nick Biddison [2022 4th round draft pick]," Saints baseball coach Tony Szymendera said. "They see that's it's possible. You're sitting in the same seats that those guys sat in, you're playing on the same field, so why not?"

O'Ferrall signed his contract July 19 and is working out in Sarasota, Florida with the franchise, awaiting his team assignment.