Born in the hotbed of baseball that is Miami, Jacob Lombard has bled baseball since he was a child.
His father, George Lombard Sr., played for eight seasons in the majors and has been coaching professionally since 2010, currently with the Detroit Tigers as a bench coach. His older brother, George Lombard Jr., is currently in the New York Yankees organization with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre after being selected in the first round by the Bronx Bombers in 2023.
Turns out, Lombard isn’t going very far.
Saturday marked a historic moment for Lombard and his family, as he was selected with the No. 14 pick by the Miami Marlins during All-Star Weekend in Philadelphia. Lombard’s slot bonus at the No. 14 pick is set to be $5.4 million.
Here’s a look at the Gulliver Prep star, and his very short journey from South Miami to Little Havana.
One of the best to come out of Miami
For all the talent Miami has bred lately, Lombard is the best of the bunch, becoming the highest selection to come out of the 305 since Brito standout Manny Machado was picked third overall by the Baltimore Orioles in 2010.
Lombard joins his brother George (2023), Westminster Christian product Sal Stewart (2022), Mater Academy Charter star Albert Almora Jr. (2012), Machado (2010), Coral Park’s Luiz Montanez (2000), and Gulliver Prep’s David Espinosa (2000) as the only prep first-rounders out of Miami-Dade County this century.
Why do clubs like Lombard so much? Well, his 6-foot-3 frame is a plus, especially at an elite position like shortstop. His ability to cover ground not just in the field but also from home to first also appeals to clubs. But most importantly, his bat is one that fascinates many scouts. With the Raiders this year, Lombard hit .477 with 10 home runs, 25 RBI, and 52 runs scored, adding 4 doubles and 14 stolen bases.
Lombard was also a solid soccer player along with being elite on the diamond, winning back-to-back state titles with Gulliver. In three varsity seasons on the pitch, Lombard and the Raiders went 60-7-5.
Follow Sports Reporter Alex Martin on X at @NP_AlexMartin or via email: amartin@usatodayco.com. For additional high school sports coverage, be sure to follow @usatodayhss on Instagram and X.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jacob Lombard staying in Miami, drafted by Marlins with 14th pick in MLB Draft
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