Tag Archives: 2015 MLB Draft

DraftNasty Throwback: Atlanta Braves SS Dansby Swanson

Swanson was originally drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the 2012 MLB Draft, but ultimately decided to go to Vanderbilt. His 2014 College World Series performance earned him most valuable player honors and was a prelude to a Commodores national championship run in 2015. In turn, his decision not only paid off in a college championship, but it also helped earn him the distinction of becoming the number one overall pick in the 2015 MLB Draft by the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Georgia native was traded less than a year later to his hometown team, the Atlanta Braves. In 2019, Swanson set a career-high with 17 home runs and 65 RBIs as the Braves won the National League East.

In 71 games (2015), Swanson smacked 24 doubles, six triples and 15 home runs for the Commodores. Defensively, he posted 111 put outs and 185 assists.

Andrew Benintendi OF-Kansas City Royals: DraftNasty Throwback

While at Arkansas, Benintendi -or in some circles known as “Benny”- became the first SEC player to hit 20 home runs and steal 20 bases in one season. The former Madeira High School (Ohio) and Ohio Gatorade Player of the Year also batted .380 for the Razorbacks in a historic sophomore campaign. In 2015, he won the Dick Howser Trophy and was named the SEC Player of the Year. Benintendi went on to become the seventh overall pick in the 2015 MLB Draft and quickly earned his keep in the major leagues.

Benintendi became the first SEC player to hit 20 home runs and steal 20 bases in the same season (2015).
Benintendi was also featured on the cover of DraftNasty’s 2015 fall edition.