A detail view of the jersey patch
Notre Dame baseball may not have achieved its goals in the 2024 season, but the Fighting Irish still celebrated a notable accomplishment as middle infielder Jack Penney was selected in the 2024 MLB Draft.
Penney, who hit .269 with 4 home runs and 34 RBI this past season, was chosen in the fifth round by the Detroit Tigers. While his offensive stats were solid, Penney’s standout attribute was his defense, a skill highly regarded during his time with the Fighting Irish. His on-base percentage of .324 further highlighted his consistent presence on the field.
This selection marks a significant milestone for Notre Dame, as Penney is the first player from the program to be drafted since 2022. That year, four Fighting Irish players were selected following their impressive run to the College World Series. Penney’s selection by the Tigers underscores his potential and the high regard in which he is held for his defensive prowess.
As Penney transitions to the professional level, Notre Dame will look to build on this momentum and continue developing talent that can succeed both in college and beyond.
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