Brad Lord drafted by MLB

Wakulla pitcher went on USF, selected by Washington Nationals

Brad Lord

By WILLIAM SNOWDEN Editor

Lord has been playing baseball from a young age, and Wakulla Baseball Coach Keith Anderson coached Lord from a youngster into high school.

“Brad and my son played at the same age, and my son was a catcher for him,” said Anderson. “I actually coached Brad from nine years old right on up to high school.

“It was kinda awesome to see him progress. I knew from an early age that he was going to be a pretty special player, and by the time he got to high school, he really blossomed.”

In Lord’s senior year, he was the All-Big Bend pitcher of the year and also named the Florida Athletic Coaches Association player of the year.

“He was a dream to coach,” said Anderson. He was 6’3, and by the time he was in 12th grade, he was throwing high low 90s. He had a great senior year with us. He had several no-hitters and shutouts,” Anderson said.

“Every time he pitched, we had a really good chance to win. His senior year, everybody we played in Tallahassee we beat, we had a really great record.

“On and off the field, “he was a great kid. He was a workhorse. He came to practice every day ready to work and was a leader on the team. He stayed driven and focused and knew where he wanted to go,” Anderson said.

After graduating from Wakulla High School, Lord went to Santa Fe College in 2019-20, and went on to the University of South Florida in 2021-22.

He was drafted in the 18th round by the Nationals.

Anderson still keeps in contact with Lord. “I wish him the best, it was fun following him, and I was fortunate enough to be a part of him playing baseball up into high school. He’s a special guy, a special player. We still stay in touch and talk baseball every once in a while. It’s nice to see a hometown kid go on and do big things,” Anderson said.