MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) – With the No. 59 pick in the 2025 MLB Draft, the Milwaukee Brewers selected left-handed pitcher J.D. Thompson out of Vanderbilt.
The Rusk, Texas-native spent all of his collegiate career of three years at Vanderbilt, and will now most likely mark the start of his professional journey.
“Now, to continue my career and go into professional baseball, I mean like any kid it’s a dream come true for me,” Thompson said. “I’m just excited to start the next step.”
Thompson primarily held the role as the Commodore’s Friday night starter all the way to Vanderbilt’s end in the Nashville regional this past season. The 21-year-old concluded the 2025 season with a 6-5 record and a 4.00 ERA in 16 total starts.
He heard his selection surrounded by those who have guided him since Day 1.
“Honestly, I think my family is more excited than I am,” Thompson said. “Just to have those type of people to share that moment with is something that, you know, it took all of us to get here. To get the exposure, to get to Vanderbilt and play for Tim Corbin and (Scott) Brown. That was unbelievable.”
It was the work of his grandparents, his aunt Kerri, and his entire family showing up to tournaments, taking him to practice, and being a constant support at all times that led him to his personal dream come true.
“It’s unbelievable. My grandparents can only do so much, so that’s hen Kerri kind of stepped in and became the baseball mom,” Thompson said. “At this point, it’s all worth it. I give all the love and care back to Kerri and all my family, and Helen, and my grandmother of course. For me to be in this spot and give back what all they’ve put in, to give this back to them, it means a lot.”
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