High Point’s Lee Selected by Twins in MLB Draft

HIGH POINT, N.C. – Senior Hunter Lee of the High Point University baseball team was drafted on the final day of the 2018 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft on Wednesday, chosen by the Minnesota Twins in the 27th round (814th overall).

“Today is an exciting day for Hunter Lee, his family and the HPU baseball program,” head coach Craig Cozart said. “Being drafted by the Minnesota Twins is truly a testament to Hunter’s character, talent, and work ethic. He was an integral part of our program for four years and we look forward to following his career in professional baseball.”

Lee enjoyed a tremendous senior season, hitting a team-best .338 in 56 games (55 starts) en route to being named first team All-Big South for the first time in his career. The Maitland, Fla. native notched a 28-game hitting streak from March 3 – April 17, the second-longest hitting streak in program history, in addition to setting career highs in nearly every offensive category. Lee led the Panthers in hits (72), doubles (tied, 15), slugging percentage (.531), walks (42), and on-base percentage (.460) while ranking second in both runs (49) and RBI (44).

During his four-year career, the second baseman appeared in 210 games, starting 204. He set the career walks record with 116 free passes in his career and ranks among the school’s all-time top-10 in games played, doubles, at-bats and runs.

“This has been my dream since I was three years old and to see it come true is an unreal feeling,” Lee said. “I can’t thank my family, teammates, and coaches enough. They have been with me every step of the way and I am truly grateful for their support.”

Lee is the 36th player in school history to be picked in the MLB Draft, and the 11th under head coach Craig Cozart. He is the second Panther to be selected by Minnesota, joining Nate Roberts (5th round, 2010). High Point currently has four active alums in the affiliated ranks in Cody Allen (Cleveland Indians), Jaime Schultz (Durham Bulls, Tampa Bay Triple-A), Chris Clare (Frederick Keys, Baltimore High-A), and Andre Scrubb (Great Lakes Loons, LA Dodgers Single-A).