HIGH POINT, N.C. – The High Point University baseball team had two student-athletes get their names called in the 2024 MLB Draft. It's the fifth time in program history the Panthers have had at least two drafted to the major leagues in the same season, and the first time since 2016, while this is the first time under HPU Head Coach Joey Hammond.

Peyton Carr becomes the third highest draft pick in High Point University baseball history in the Division I era as he was selected in the 10th round with the 308th pick to the Minnesota Twins in the MLB Draft. Gus Hughes was selected in the 18th round as pick No. 541 to the New York Yankees. 
 
In 2010, Nate Roberts was selected to the Twins (5th round, pick 165) to become the program's highest draft pick in the DI era, while Andre Scrubb was then drafted in 2016 to the Los Angeles Dodgers (8th round, pick 251). A total of 18 Panthers, including Carr and Hughes, have been drafted with this being the first since 2019 when Daniel Millwee was drafted by the Chicago White Sox.
 
Carr is third Panther to get the call from the Twins as the 6-foot-2, 202-pound power hitter joins Roberts and Hunter Lee, who was drafted in 2018 in the 27th round, as draftees by Minnesota. The 6-foot, 190-pound Hughes becomes the first Panther to be drafted to the pinstripes in program history. 

"Major League Baseball and the Minnesota Twins got it right with Peyton Carr," Head Coach Joey Hammond stated.  "As the draft has changed significantly over the past few years, there has been uncertainty when it comes to the process of being drafted. I'm so happy for Peyton and his family and I as we celebrate this day with him!  Peyton is as good of a hitter as college baseball has seen and the resilience he has shown fighting through injuries has prepared him for the grind of minor league baseball. Peyton helped pave the way to uncharted territory with our program and now we will enjoy watching him plow to the big leagues!  Congrats Peyto!"
 
A 2024 First Team All-Conference and Big South Player of the Week, the Floridian Carr put up record numbers this season after returning from an injury that kept him out the majority of the 2023 year. The .417 hitter smashed 13 home runs in 103 at-bats as he drove in 30 runs and legged out seven doubles.
 
"It's truly a blessing from God," Carr said. "I thank my lord and savior Jesus Christ for the opportunity. It's been my dream for this opportunity ever since I can remember. I can't thank my Panther family enough for everything they did for me. Coach Hammond and his staff took a chance on me and for that I am forever thankful for. I wouldn't be here without them; I truly believe that we have the best coaches in the country and that's a big reason why I'm here. I am forever thankful for my time as a Panther and wouldn't be here if it weren't for High Point."
 
A native of Greensboro, N.C., Hughes was a two-year Panther starting pitcher as he was the Friday night starter this past season. Beginning his career at UNC Charlotte, he transferred to Gaston Community College before heading to High Point for his final two years of eligibility. The 2024 Big South Preseason Pitcher of the Year earned First Team All-Conference accolades after dominating on the mound all season long.

"Awesome news that Gus Hughes joins a storied organization like the New York Yankees," Hammond said. "Gus has completed an impressive collegiate career with many accolades.  We will miss the confidence in knowing we had the advantage on the mound almost every Friday night for the past two years with Gus!  We are happy to see his dream come true and to do so as a member of the winningest team in program history is a bonus. Congrats Gus!"
 
Striking out 111 batters in a conference leading 102.2 innings pitched, Hughes controlled the strike zone as opposing batters held a batting average of .209 in his 16 starts. A 6-4 record and a 3.77 ERA landed Hughes third in the Big South in earned run average.

"Being drafted is something I have always dreamed about," Hughes said. "So actually being able to achieve this goal is super special, and it's crazy to think about all the years I have spent to get to this point. It is so surreal. It honestly still hasn't hit me yet. But I'm super excited for this opportunity and cannot wait to get to work!"

All HPU Players Drafted in DI Era

Matt Kniginyzky Kansas City Royals (23rd Round / 682) 2005
Mark Shorey St. Louis Cardinals (31st Round / 946) 2006
Eammon Portice Boston Red Sox (12th Round / 384) 2007
Tim Boleska Pittsburgh Pirates (35th Round / 1054) 2007
Bubba O'Donnell Chicago Cubs (34th Round / 1031) 2008
Nate Roberts Minnesota Twins (5th Round / 165) 2010
Cody Allen Cleveland Indians (23rd Round / 698) 2011
Kyle Mahoney Anaheim Angels (43rd Round / 1305) 2011
Jamie Schultz Tampa Rays (14th Round / 428) 2013
Jacob Newberry Colorado Rockies (18th Round / 529) 2013
Sean Townsley Miami Marlins (25th Round / 742) 2013
Willie Medina Washington Nationals (31st Round / 946) 2013
Andre Scrubb Los Angeles Dodgers (8th Round / 251) 2016
Chris Clare Baltimore Orioles (21st Round / 631) 2016
Hunter Lee Minnesota Twins (27th Round / 814) 2018
Daniel Millwee Chicago White Sox (30th Round / 890) 2019
Peyton Carr Minnesota Twins (10th Round / 308) 2024
Gus Hughes New York Yankees (18th Round / 541) 2024