UVA Star Gracia Drafted 9th by Braves | Virginia Beach News

AJ Gracia, the ninth overall pick by the Atlanta Braves, is a power-hitting Virginia outfielder with a .354 average, 14 homers, and 48 RBIs last season—making him UVA’s first top-10 draft pick since 2017. The Braves praise his disciplined approach and contact ability. Meanwhile, the Orioles surprised by taking high school phenom Eric Booth Jr. seventh overall, while the Nationals selected Texas A&M’s Chris Hacopian 11th. Elsewhere, five Norfolk State players shined at the HBCU Swingman Classic in Philly, including RBI from Thomas Ealey and scoreless innings from Yasseel Samboy and Ethan Blakeney. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/69408632e20a15aa