​It’s almost time for the MLB Draft, and North Carolina is drawing a lot of attention to its prospects after UNC’s run to the College World Series, along with a half-dozen NC State players heading to the combine and ECU’s recent conference tournament title. The Pirates are also poised to add Terry Sanford shortstop Josh Mozingo, who committed to ECU nearly two years ago, to their list of future-possible stars if the professional route doesn’t claim him first. Terry Sanford has already sent six players to the MLB Draft, the most recent being DJ Herz in 2019. As the 2026 MLB Draft approaches on July 11-12 in Philadelphia, The Fayetteville Observer revisits Fayetteville-area high school alums who have earned spots in the draft, highlighting notable names and their journeys.
Kevin McKague was selected in the 2012 MLB Draft, Round 23, at No. 719 overall by the Atlanta Braves, a Choice that came while he was an Army player. Kevin Hairr tied his name to the 2001 MLB Draft, going Round 15, No. 438 overall to the Chicago Cubs after starring at UNCW. Gavin Williams, who played for Cape Fear and later ECU, climbed to the top with a first-round selection in the 2021 MLB Draft, No. 23 overall by the Cleveland Guardians, marking him as Cumberland County’s highest MLB Draft pick in history. He would later become known for carrying a no-hitter into the ninth inning in a game for Cleveland.
Jason Morales entered the draft in 2008, going Round 24, No. 715 overall to the Kansas City Royals after his time at UNCP. Dallas Poulk, a standout for NC State, went in 2010 Round 19, No. 587 overall to the Miami Marlins. Cobie Fletcher-Vance followed in 2018, selected in Round 18, No. 533 overall by the Oakland Athletics after a college career at Alabama, capable as a 3B/2B. Isaiah Bennett entered the 2019 draft in Round 36, No. 1,073 overall, chosen by the San Diego Padres out of Queens College as a right-handed pitcher.
The Fayetteville area has a rich history of sending players to the professional ranks. In 2026, the draft continues to build on these traditions. Highlights include Chris Cammack, a Fayetteville High and NC State baseball great whose legacy remains celebrated, and a broad collection of players who began their journeys in local high schools before moving on to major college programs and professional careers. Terry Sanford’s notable ECU commitment continues to be a focal point for fans watching from the local region as the draft approaches.
Notable early picks include Chris Cammack, who was selected in the 1967 MLB Draft by the Washington Senators (Round 9, No. 164 overall) after starring at NC State as a third baseman. Jeremy Jones entered the 2006 MLB Draft in Round 25, No. 738 overall with the Colorado Rockies after his time at NC A&T as an outfielder. Austin Warren went in the 2018 Draft, Round 6, No. 181 overall to the Anaheim Angels, with ties to UNC Wilmington and Wake Tech as a right-handed pitcher. Andrew Jayne followed in 2018, Round 19, No. 565 to the Baltimore Orioles after competing at CF. Christian Jayne, also in 2018, went Round 27, No. 819 to the Arizona Diamondbacks, having connections to ECU and UNCP as an outfielder. DJ Herz, the 2019 draft pick, went Round 8, No. 252 to the Chicago Cubs as a left-handed pitcher.
Other Fayetteville-area names include Stanley Baker, taken in 1966 in Round 8, No. 155 by the Pittsburgh Pirates after serving in the Navy. Mike Brewington went in 1989, Round 30, No. 782 to the Pirates with a background at Methodist as an outfielder. Cal Koonce stands as a historical note: he was a 1962 MLB rookie before the amateur draft era, having his roots at Hope Mills High School, Campbell, and serving as a right-handed pitcher. Trey Jacobs joined in 2018, signing with the Colorado Rockies as an undrafted free agent after showcasing his talents in college.
With the 2026 MLB Draft set for July 11-12 in Philadelphia, the Fayetteville Observer again chronicles the long line of Fayetteville-area players who have left an enduring mark on the sport, whether through early rounds or later rounds, through college success, or by carving out professional careers after their high school days. The town’s baseball history is deep and storied, involving players who have advanced to the major leagues and players who are still chasing those lifelong dreams. The collective story of Fayetteville’s baseball pipeline remains a source of pride for residents and a beacon for young athletes who aspire to reach the highest levels of the sport.