Will Plunkett was overcome with emotion.
Tears flowed, and hugs were in order for the 18-year-old, recently graduated Mamaroneck star as he sat surrounded by family and friends after hearing his name called in the MLB Draft.
“I was in shock,” Plunkett said. “Honestly, I’m still in shock.”
It was the Baltimore Orioles who believed in Plunkett enough to use their lone eighth-round selection on him, picking him 230th overall on July 12.
Plunkett’s dream of eventually getting drafted was not unique. Most young baseball players dream of hearing their name called in the MLB Draft, but very few actually get to see that dream become a reality.
“It’s a dream come true,” he said.
His dream of getting drafted might have had to wait, if not for a late surge in the past several months, according to Plunkett. After committing to Binghamton in the fall of 2024 and receiving a full ride, professional buzz quieted around the shortstop.
But this spring, he raked, hitting .485 with six home runs, 28 RBI, 23 steals, 36 runs scored and reached base at a .611 clip. Additionally, he made only one error at shortstop for a team that dethroned Ketcham as the Section 1 champion.
That elite level of play made his head coach question some of the names that were called before Plunkett.
“Baltimore is getting themselves a heck of a player,” head coach Mike Chiapparelli said. “I watched some of the kids that got drafted before him and saw a lot more skill in some of the stuff that he was doing.
“At least based on the highlights they showed, it looked like he was a better player than a lot of those players that got drafted.”
However, the highlights, statistics, and on-field accolades are only part of Plunkett’s story, and are perhaps only part of why he is now an MLB draftee.
Chiapparelli lauded Plunkett’s personality and especially his ability to stay calm in high-pressure situations. While the outside noise of professional scouts and interested onlookers got louder, Plunkett never changed course.
“He’s very clutch,” Chiapparelli said. “For him to go out every single game this year and take batting practice and then go out and perform in the game in front of scouts, under that pressure, was unbelievable.”
In fact, when Plunkett called Chiapparelli to deliver the news, the youngster was “very business-like,” in the words of his coach.
“I think aside from my skills on the field, (the Orioles) saw my work ethic and my character,” Plunkett said. “I know that is the most important thing. I’m big on the little things and big on intangibles, so I think that’s what stood out.”
Plunkett initially heard the news from his agent, who gave him a phone call shortly before it was announced to the public. Leading up to the draft, Baltimore had expressed interest in him as he participated in a pre-draft workout with the squad.
Even with all the excitement of the day, Plunkett is keeping himself honest.
“I’ll celebrate today,” Plunkett said. “But tomorrow, I’m a pro; it’s going to be a big adjustment, a whole new lifestyle, a whole new game. I’m ready for it, and I’m excited for the opportunity. I know I have my work cut out for myself.”
Will Plunkett’s close relationship with Chiapparelli
Despite Mamaroneck’s strong baseball history, Chiapparelli noted that Plunkett became the first Tiger to hear his name called during his 43-year tenure as a baseball coach at the school.
Historical notes like that do not sufficiently explain Chiapparelli’s relationship with Plunkett. Much like Baltimore entrusted a draft pick in an 18-year-old from the Northeast — a region that is consistently underrepresented in collegiate and professional baseball — Chiapparelli placed his trust in Plunkett as an eighth grader, as Mamaroneck’s varsity starting shortstop.
“He’s been in my corner for a lot of my life — since first grade when I first met him,” Plunkett said. “I’m so grateful to be able to spend this moment with him. It’s so special because he’s been a key part of my process and my baseball career in general.”
George Caratzas is a sports intern for The Journal News/lohud.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Will Plunkett emotional after Orioles select shortstop in 8th round
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