York County Native Benny Montgomery Selected By Colorado Rockies With 8th Overall Pick In MLB Draft
YORK COUNTY, Pa. (CBS/AP) -- A Pennsylvania native -- and big Phillies fan -- was a top 10 pick in the 2021 MLB Draft. The Colorado Rockies selected outfielder Benny Montgomery with the 8th overall pick on Sunday night.
He's a speedy player with a chance to add strength to his 6-foot-4 frame.
"Unbelievable. No better feeling," Montgomery tweeted. "I can't thank my family, friends, and coaches enough for helping me along the way. I'm so proud to be a part of the Colorado Rockies!"
Unbelievable. No better feeling.
— Benny Montgomery (@benny_mont) July 12, 2021
I can't thank my family, friends, and coaches enough for helping me along the way.
I'm so proud to be a part of the Colorado @Rockies! pic.twitter.com/6GdaOn2xLl
Montgomery grew up a big Philadelphia Phillies fan and says he named his younger brother Chase after his favorite Phillie -- Chase Utley.
"I did, then mom and dad liked it, so it stuck," Montgomery said during an interview at the MLB Draft Combine. "I was a big Phillies guy growing up, huge Phillies fan and Chase Utley was my favorite player and I played infield at the time, so I wanted to name him after him."
Montgomery went to Red Land High School in York County.
We got our guy!
— Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) July 12, 2021
With the 8th overall pick of the 2021 #MLBDraft, we have selected Benny Montgomery. Welcome to the family! pic.twitter.com/8gN2WZoEwp
The Associated Press contributed to this report.