5 Things to know about Phillies’ first-round pick Justin Crawford
Who is Philadelphia Phillies first-round pick Justin Crawford?
1. Crawford is the cousin of another Phillies’ first-round pick
A decade after selecting J.P. Crawford in the first round of the 2013 MLB draft, the Phillies selected Justin, his cousin on his father’s side.
2. Crawford is the son of a former MLB Silver Slugger and Gold Glove-winner
Depending on how old you are, when you heard the surname “Crawford,” you either thought “J.P.” or “Carl.” Either way, you’re in the right family; Carl is J.P.’s uncle. He’s also Justin’s father.
The elder Crawford spent 15 seasons in the majors between the Tampa Bay (at the time Devil) Rays, Boston Red Sox, and Los Angeles Dodgers. He was a four-time All-Star and won a Gold Glove and Silver Slugger in 2010.
Not only is Justin an outfielder just like his dad, according to the scouting reports, like father, like son in more ways than one. Ahead of Carl’s draft in 1999, Baseball America (subscription required) praised his “rare package of speed and strength.” With Justin, they highlighted his “sneaky raw power” and called him “one of the best runners in the class.”
Hopefully, Justin has as long of a career ahead of him as his father.
3. Crawford isn’t the only legacy draft pick
Crawford is one of three high school draftees who come from MLB families. With the first-overall pick, the Baltimore Orioles selected Jackson Holliday, son of Matt Holliday. The Arizona Diamondbacks immediately followed, drafting Andruw Jones’ son Druw with the second pick in this year’s draft.
4. Crawford committed to LSU
Crawford committed to Lousiana State University last fall, but he’s expected to sign with the Phillies instead.
If he forgoes college to begin his professional career, he’ll be the third consecutive Phillies’ first-round pick to come straight from high school, following Mick Abel and Andrew Painter.
5. Crawford is the latest Vegas kid in the Phillies organization
Crawford may be leaving Las Vegas (see what I did there?), but if he makes it to the Majors, he’ll have the comfort of home in his teammates, Bryce Harper and Bryson Stott.
Harper has been mentoring Stott for years, letting him live with him during spring training, vacationing together, and watching college football together during the offseasons. No doubt, the Vegas connection will make Philly feel more like home to Crawford.
