Braden Montgomery aims to succeed with Stanford
MADISON, Miss. (BVM) — Some of the best high school baseball prospects have to decide whether or not they are going to pursue a professional career or continue their career at the college level. One of the nation’s best outfielders, Braden Montgomery, decided to join one of the top baseball programs in the nation: the Stanford Cardinal.
I am extremely blessed to announce that I have committed to play baseball at one of the best Universities in our nation—Stanford! #fearthetree🌲🔴⚪️ @EagerThomas @StanfordBSB @PerfectGameUSA @PG_Scouting @MagicBB_Academy @GFORCIN442 @gmontgomerymd @RobeyPatrick pic.twitter.com/IRwVNoO8zt
— Braden Montgomery (@Braden2baseball) November 15, 2019
At 6-foot-3, 190-pounds, Montgomery stands out as one of the best players in the nation. And in Mississippi, he helped lead the Jaguars to a top five ranking in the country. The outfielder and right-handed pitcher helped the Jaguars finish with a 34-2 overall record and a Class 6A state championship in this past season.
Along with a state title, Montgomery posted a .479 batting average, hit seven home runs and had 50 RBIs.
“Braden Montgomery is a sharp kid with all kinds of athletic ability,” Northwest Rankin head baseball coach K.K Aldridge said in a Gatorade press release. “His velocity is effortless, and he is a true five-tool player. He handles himself very well for a high school senior and I expect a bright future for that young man.”
According to Perfect Game, Montgomery was the No. 23 prospect in the nation. He was also rated the No. 1 overall player in Mississippi. Montgomery was also projected to be a top pick in the MLB Draft before joining Stanford.
Montgomery will be joining one of the top-tier baseball programs in the nation at Stanford. Stanford finished the 2020-21 season with a record of 39-17 (17-10 Pac-12) and the squad made it all the way to Omaha before being knocked out of the College World Series by Vanderbilt.
When Montgomery joins Stanford he’ll have the opportunity to play for one of the best coaches in college baseball: David Esquer. Esquer has an overall record of 621-504-2 (.552 winning percentage) in 21 years as a collegiate head coach. At Stanford, he has a 44-15 record. Montgomery will help boost Standford’s chances of reaching Omaha again this season.
Montgomery found himself among the top 100 MLB prospects in July as MLB.com had him ranked No. 66. He could’ve been drafted this year, but with the draft only at 20 rounds, Montgomery ultimately decided to go to Stanford where he can improve his skill set and aim to improve his draft stock.
At the age of 18, Montgomery is full of potential. The competition at the college level will be demanding, but a great player like him is ready to perform at the highest level.
