News Summary
In a remarkable achievement for South Carolina baseball, former players Matthew Becker and Nathan Hall have been drafted in the 2025 MLB Draft. Becker, a left-handed pitcher from Chapin, was selected by the Minnesota Twins, while Hall, an outfielder from Lexington, was chosen by the Arizona Diamondbacks. Their selections highlight the effectiveness of the baseball programs at their high schools and inspire future talents in the region.
Columbia, South Carolina – In a significant event for local baseball, two former players from South Carolina have made headlines by being selected in the 2025 Major League Baseball (MLB) Draft. Left-handed pitcher Matthew Becker from Chapin was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the 19th round, while junior outfielder Nathan Hall from Lexington was chosen in the fifth round by the Arizona Diamondbacks. Their selections are seen as a testament to the strong baseball programs at Lexington and Chapin, both of which have rich histories in developing talent.
The 2025 MLB Draft took place on July 13 and July 14, drawing attention not only for its high-profile prospects but also for the potential impact on college athletics. In particular, the success of Becker and Hall is expected to inspire future players from the region. Becker’s impressive college career culminated in the draft, where he gained recognition for his performance on the mound. Over four years, Becker participated in 79 games, ending his college tenure with a record of 14 wins, six saves, and an impressive total of 263 strikeouts across 193.1 innings pitched.
In the recently concluded 2025 season, Becker showcased his skills in 19 games, making six starts and achieving a record of 3-3. He made headlines early in the season with a season-high nine strikeouts during his first start against Sacred Heart. A week later, he followed up with another standout performance, striking out eight batters in a game against Milwaukee. His development throughout his time at the University of South Carolina has certainly paved the way for this new opportunity with the Twins.
Meanwhile, Nathan Hall displayed remarkable talent as an outfielder, bringing dynamic skills to the plate. In 2025, Hall started 54 games for the Gamecocks and led the team with an impressive .322 batting average. His season productivity included 13 doubles, seven home runs, and a team-leading 38 runs batted in (RBIs). His speed on the basepaths was also a notable aspect of his game, evidenced by his successful theft of 14 bases.
The Lexington and Chapin baseball programs have established a reputation for nurturing promising players who excel at the collegiate level and beyond. Becker’s and Hall’s selections in the MLB Draft mark a proud moment for these communities, reflecting the effectiveness of their training and development programs.
As the 2025 MLB Draft unfolded, several other South Carolina players, including standout slugger Ethan Petry, were also projected to be drafted. Petry had an equally impressive season, boasting a batting average of .321, and compiled 10 home runs along with 34 RBIs. The selection of multiple players from the state is a clear indicator of the quality of talent emerging from South Carolina’s baseball programs.
Becker and Hall’s transitions into professional baseball could have lasting effects on the landscape of Gamecock athletics, inspiring others to aspire for success at the next level. With these selections, both players are set to embark on new journeys in their baseball careers, carrying with them the hopes and pride of their high school communities and collegiate programs.
The future of baseball in South Carolina looks bright, especially with the promising talents like Becker and Hall ready to make their mark on the professional stage.
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Additional Resources
- WLTX: Gamecock Baseball News
- Greenville Online: MLB Draft 2023
- On3: Ethan Petry MLB Draft
- Post and Courier: Gamecocks Baseball Updates
- ESPN: Jackie Bradley Jr. Joins ESPN
- Wikipedia: South Carolina Gamecocks Baseball
- Google Search: South Carolina baseball news
- Google Scholar: South Carolina baseball
- Encyclopedia Britannica: South Carolina
- Google News: South Carolina baseball
Author: STAFF HERE Chapin
CHAPIN STAFF WRITER The CHAPIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREchapin.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chapin, Lexington County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Chapin Christmas Parade, Fourth of July Celebration, and the Chapin Fall Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chapin Chamber of Commerce and the Lexington School District One, plus leading businesses in retail and recreation that power the local economy such as Lake Murray Tourism and the Chapin Visitor Information. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
