NWF’s Beck Way Selected in the Fourth Round of MLB Draft
NICEVILLE, Fla. – Northwest Florida right-handed pitcher Beck Way became the second-highest draft pick in the program history when he was taken in the fourth round with the 129th overall pick by the New York Yankees in the MLB First-Year Player Draft on Thursday.
Way, a native of Mechanicsburg, Pa., pitched seven games for the Raiders in the COVID-19-shortened season; he was 5-0 with a 0.67 ERA.
"It's a great day for Beck and his family," Northwest Florida head coach Doug Martin said. "One of the things we do is try to help players develop to be able to continue their careers. For Beck, he gets to continue at the highest level possible. We're happy to be a part of his journey to what we hope is the major leagues."
Way becomes the second-highest draft pick in Northwest Florida history behind only Jeff Farnsworth, who was taken 57th overall (second round) by Seattle in 1996. Farnsworth went on to pitch in 44 games for the Detroit Tigers in 2002.
Opponents managed just a .126 batting averaged against Way, while the right-hander struck out 58 batters in 40 innings of work.
Way (6-6, 200 lbs.) began his college career at DII Belmont Abbey where he posted 1-2 record with a 3.98 ERA in 20.1 innings on the mound. After sitting out the 2018-19 season, Way transferred to NWF were he immediately made an impact.
Of his six starts, four went for six innings or more. He fanned at least six batters in every appearance, including two double-digit strikeout performances, highlighted by 13 punch outs against Pearl River on March 7. In his Feb. 7 start against San Jacinto, Way did not allow a hit and struck out six in his four innings of work.
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