Two former Gaston College pitchers make history for the school with a Major League draft selection and a Major League free agent signing.
Gaston College’s baseball program has been successful since it was restarted in the fall of 2021.
The Rhinos added more chapters when 2022 standout pitcher Gus Hughes was selected in the 18th round (No. 541 overall) by the New York Yankees on the third day of the major league draft on July 17 and 2023 standout pitcher Derek Vartanian signed a free agent contract with the Atlanta Braves the day after the draft concluded.
Hughes transferred to Gaston College from UNC Charlotte in January 2022 and made an immediate impact on the Rhinos’ first-year program.
“For us, having Gus get drafted and having Derek sign is something that continues to add to our resume,” said Gaston College athletic director and baseball coach Shohn Doty, who has guided the Rhinos to a 142-30 record in three seasons.
“So this is another success that our program has had. The credit goes to the kids and our coaching staff. We talk about bringing in the right kind of guys and the development process all the time so I’m just really proud of him and look forward to following their careers.”
