WALTON COUNTY, Fla. (WJHG\/WECP) -Coleman Borthwick, a 6-foot-6, 260-pound right-handed pitcher from South Walton High School, was selected in the first round, 21st overall by the San Diego Padres in the 2026 MLB Draft on Saturday.<\/p>\n
Borthwick watched the draft surrounded by family and friends in Walton County. He is coming off his senior season at South Walton, where he helped the Seahawks claim the program\u2019s first state championship.<\/p>\n
Borthwick said the moment fulfilled a lifelong goal.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a very emotional point in time,\u201d Borthwick said. \u201cI mean, like, ever since I was a little kid, I dreamed of this moment of playing professional baseball, and it\u2019s awesome.\u201d<\/p>\n
Nick Borthwick, Coleman\u2019s father and South Walton head coach, reflected on his son\u2019s work leading up to the draft.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou know, the time that Coleman put into training and working was enjoyable,\u201d Nick Borthwick said. \u201cIt wasn\u2019t like it was a job. It was something that he loved to do. He loved playing. He loved working out. He loved hitting. He\u2019s a kid at heart, and that\u2019s the best way to play the game, I think.\u201d<\/p>\n
Coleman Borthwick will enter the Padres organization, which has affiliates in El Paso, San Antonio and Fort Wayne, Indiana.<\/p>\n
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