LAKELAND, Fla.—Southeastern University senior outfielder
Zach Cornell signed a contract with the Washington Nationals as an undrafted free agent Thursday.
Cornell becomes the 10
th SEU player since 2013 to be taken in the MLB First Year Player Draft, or sign as a free agent after the completion of the draft.
"It's a blessing; not many guys are able to have the opportunity that I'm receiving," said Cornell. "It's definitely something I've worked my entire life for and it's thrilling to start to reap the rewards."
During his lone season with the Fire, the Cartersville, Ga. native led all of college baseball with 56 hits, and had a .519 average with 44 RBIs for the 26-1 Fire. Cornell hit safely in 25 of his 27 games at SEU, was a three-time Sun Conference Player of the Week, and had 10 games with three or more hits.
"Zach embodied the true meaning of being a Christian student-athlete," said interim coach
Erik Dahl. "He made an immediate impact on the program as soon as he showed up, setting an example for others with an intense work ethic both on and off the field."
Cornell got a small glimpse of professional baseball in February when the Fire took on the Detroit Tigers in their annual Spring Training exhibition, and was 1-for-3 with two runs scored.
"I wouldn't be where I'm at without coaches Dinkel, Dahl, and Mendoza, and players that pushed me to get better," said Cornell. "The like minded goal of winning a national championship pushed both coaches and players to work harder and hold everyone accountable."
During the abbreviated 2020 season, Cornell led the NAIA in hits per game and was second in total bases with 102 and total runs scored with 43. All told, he was in the top five nationally in eight statistical categories.
"Zach is a special human being and ball player," said interim coach
Mike Mendoza. "He loves God and the people around him, and I can't wait to follow his success on and off the field."
In his four-year career, which includes three seasons at Middle Georgia State, Cornell posted 246 hits and a .420 career average.
"I definitely will go into professional baseball with a chip on my shoulder; people do not give the NAIA enough credit and 'm going in there to prove everyone wrong," said Cornell.
