Lynnwood High School’s Jace Hampson will have the chance to pursue his dream of playing Major League Baseball (MLB).
The New York Mets selected Hampson as a pitcher in the 18th round of the 2024 MLB Draft this July.
During his senior season at Lynnwood High School (LHS), Hampson, who played as both a pitcher and infielder, was recognized as one of the top prospects in Washington state.
As a pitcher, Hampson logged 28.2 innings last season, recording 60 strikeouts and maintaining a 0.63 earned run average.
According to his West Coast League (WCL) club, Hampson’s fastball was clocked in the low 90s while he played briefly for the Wenatchee Applesox in the WCL.
Perfect Game (PG), a prospect scouting website, ranked Hampson as the top third baseman in Washington and the sixth-best overall player in the state. Nationally, he ranked in the top 50 third basemen, and other scouting sites also listed him as the state’s top infielder.
In addition to his high school and WCL play, Hampson honed his skills with Elevate Northwest in Woodinville.
The Mets first identified Hampson through their regional scout, who attended several LHS games along with other MLB scouts. After being identified, the scout maintained contact with Hampson throughout the summer baseball season.
Rich, the area scout, attended multiple high school games and kept in touch with Hampson during summer ball.
Hampson recalls where he was when he learned of his draft selection: “I was at what turned out to be my last-ever hitting lesson at my summer ball facility, Elevate Northwest. I was hitting with my coach, Eli Konsker, when I received a call from my advisor saying I needed to stay close to my phone because there might be a critical call soon. A few minutes later, my name appeared on the draft board, and my phone started blowing up with calls from the Mets organization, my advisor, coaches, family, and friends,” Hampson said.
Hampson was elated after being drafted. “It was nuts. I just fell and sat on the ground for about 10 minutes, just thinking!” Hampson added.
Currently, Hampson is at the Mets’ spring training complex in Port St. Lucie, Florida. While most people his age might enjoy summer vacations, Hampson is focused on baseball.
“Play ball and throw hard are the summer plans,” Hampson said.
In acknowledging those who helped him achieve his draft dreams, Hampson expressed gratitude to the coaches at Elevate Northwest, particularly Mark Tyler and Wade Perkins.
“They [Tyler and Perkins] have been with me since I was 12 years old, and Mark [Tyler] even before that. They always had the resources for me to grow and improve, both as a person and as a player,” Hampson said.
As Hampson embarks on this exciting new chapter of his career, his determination and hard work will continue to drive him. With the support of his coaches and mentors and the dedication he has shown thus far, he is well on his way to making an impact at the next level of baseball.
The Lynnwood High School community and beyond will be eagerly watching his journey as he takes the mound for the Mets and aims for success in the major leagues.
Author: Merrick Parnell
