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Palm Beach Central graduate Cam Smith was selected in the first round of the 2024 MLB draft by the Chicago Cubs. He was the No. 14 overall pick by the Chicago Cubs, and all of the credit goes to his grandmother.
Cam Smith was the finalist for The Post's Baseball of the Year in 2022, as he had a .435 batting average with 32 RBIs in that season. In an interview, he talked about how he'd have never played baseball if it weren't for his grandmother.
"Fun fact, my grandma got me into the sport of baseball. She's a huge Cubs fan. And she was here with me tonight when I got selected to the Chicago Cubs, pick my number 14. So, man, it was great," Smith said.
"Yeah, I was more excited for her than myself, because she's the one that got me into this sport. I don't know what I'd be playing if it wasn't for her. So we had a nice cry together, right, when that pick was selected," he added.
Cam Smith reached base in 56 games consecutively and had the best batting average in the Seminoles' lineup in the 2024 season. So he'll be a great contributor to the Chicago Cubs, as they can utilize his offensive skills in the games after the All-Star break.
Cam Smith opens up about being emotional
Cam Smith's baseball journey began at Wrigley Field, not on the field itself, but in the stands. As a child, he went on a trip to the ballpark with his Cubs-devoted grandparents, which is one of his fond memories.
While the specific details of that day might be hazy, his selection with the Chicago Cubs seems just like a dream moment. He stated that he got emotional when he heard Rob Manfred announce his name, as he had worked his whole life for this moment. Moreover, he was accompanied by his grandparents as well.
"I can actually remember the experience [this time],” Smith said. “It’ll be ingrained in my head forever, and I’ll never forget about it. It’s going to be a treat, man. I assume we’re going to get emotional again," Smith said.
Even though Smith never heard from the Cubs this season, he stated that he had somewhat of a hunch that he'd be picked the moment No. 14 arrived. He wasn't wrong, and will now be on the Cubs' roster as their new third baseman.
