Tyler August from Delaware Military Academy DMA Gatorade player of the year, photo by Nick Halliday
Delaware has been no stranger to seeing high level talent drafted into Major League Baseball. Every year it seems a player or two get the call that they have been drafted and all of us at Delaware Live Sports/302 Sports go right into our group text with excitement about someone we’ve watched play getting the opportunity of a lifetime.
In recent history, players like Zack Gelof (Cape Henlopen/Virginia, 2021 Rd 2, pick 60, Oakland A’s), Colin Peluse (Middletown/Wake Forest, 2019 Rd 9, pick 284, Oakland A’s), and Chad Kuhl (Middletown/Delaware, 2013 Rd 9, pick 269, Pittsburgh Pirates) all have had their name selected in the MLB Draft. Not to mention standouts who have signed deals outside of the draft.
So, with another MLB Draft set to take place July 9-11, there are a few #delhs ball players who should hear their names called during the 3-day selection event. One of those players being DMA standout, Tyler August.
We asked Tyler, What’s it like to be going through the process of getting ready to be drafted by an MLB team? “It’s an amazing process. Every kid dreams of this and the fact I get to experience this is great. A year or 2 ago I would’ve never thought I’d be in the position I am in now and with the support of my family and friends it has been a really good experience.”
August has had an absolutely incredible 3-year run at DMA that has seen him win two baseball DIAA State Championships (2021, 2023), a DIAA Wrestling team State Championship (2022-2023), a Gatorade POY award (2023), First-team All-State honors (2022, 2023), and a spot on the prestigious Blue-Gold All-Star Game roster.
Tyler told us winning Gatorade POY “felt amazing earning that accomplishment. Just shows the hard work I’ve done and the grid really paid off. Especially after not getting it last year really motivates me to get it this year and I was happy to check it off my list.”
During his senior campaign, August dominated on the mound (6-1, 1.29 ERA, 87 k’s, 49 IP), behind the plate as a catcher, and at the plate as a hitter (.411/.500, 1 HR, 20 RBI). Stats like that and a four-pitch arsenal like the one below has scouts salivating and has Tyler potentially seeing a drafted range of round 6 through 10, a source close to Delaware Live stated.
FB: 92-94mph, Top- 97mph
CH: 83-85
CB: 73-76
SL: 79-82
(Credit: PBR Mid-Atlantic)
August comes from the right pedigree as well. His father, Brian, is a Delaware Sports Hall of Famer and was drafted twice himself, out of high school (St. Mark’s) in the 44th Round by the Baltimore Orioles, and again in 1997 after his third year at University of Delaware, in the 18th round by the New York Yankees. Brian has also been the manager of Wilmington University for the entirety of Tyler’s life, 18 years, compiling 522 career wins.
What has your dad told you about his experience that can help you get ready? Tyler said “Just enjoy every minute of it. Only a small percentage of players get to go through this so just have fun with it. He always knew from a young age I’d have a future in the game and I’d say it means as much to me as him.”
Growing up with one of the greatest coaches in the State’s history, regardless of level, has clearly rubbed off on the 6’2”, 205lb freight train of a ballplayer. Tyler is one of the highest baseball IQ players that we’ve seen since starting to cover games very closely in 2017.
Brian told us “It’s awesome watching him grow and get better every year. He is a lot bigger and stronger than I was. He also has a lot of talent. I just keep telling him to work hard and stay focused. If he does that he will have a chance in the MLB. I support him in whatever decision he makes. His future is bright.”
If he were to slide in the draft, it won’t be a worry. Tyler is committed to follow in his father’s footsteps to the University of Delaware. Something tells us that a tough decision will have to be made by Tyler come July, but all of us here at Delaware Live Sports couldn’t be happier for this young man. More to come.
Share this Post