Nationals select outfielder Andrew Stevenson 58th overall in 2015 First-Year Player Draft

By Josh Land

Nationals

June 08, 2015, 8:10pm

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The Washington Nationals today selected collegiate outfielder Andrew Stevenson (Louisiana State University) with the 58^th-overall pick in the 2015 First-Year Player Draft. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo and Assistant General Manager & Vice President of Scouting Operations Kris Kline made the joint announcement.

The speedy 6-foot, 184-pound junior is considered one of the top defensive center fielders in the Nation and one of the best hitters in one of the best baseball conferences in the country, the Southeastern Conference (SEC).

Stevenson was named First-Team All-SEC following the 2015 season after ranking near the top of the league in batting average (6^th, .356), hits (T6^th, 84), triples (T6^th, 5) runs scored (T9^th, 53), and stolen bases (3^rd, 26). A three-year starter in center field, Stevenson excels defensively and is a two-time (2014, 2015) SEC All-Defensive Team selection.

A native of Youngsville, La., Stevenson led LSU in hitting (.356) and on-base percentage (.407). He also recorded 12 doubles, five triples, one homer, 21 RBI, 16 walks, 26 stolen bases and 53 runs scored in 59 games for the Tigers. Stevenson will continue to play this weekend as the Tigers have advanced to the 2015 College World Series in Omaha, Neb.

Prior to the 2015 season, Stevenson was named a 2015 Preseason All-American by Perfect Game.

As a sophomore in 2014, Stevenson led LSU and ranked eighth in the SEC in hitting (.335) while recording seven doubles, five triples, 32 RBI, 14 walks, nine stolen bases and 41 runs scored in 61 games (59 starts). He earned SEC Academic Honor Roll and 2014 SEC All-Defensive Team honors following the season.

Following his sophomore season, Stevenson helped the Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox to the 2014 Cape Cod League title. He hit .327 with nine doubles, one triple, one homer, 16 RBI, 21 stolen bases and 30 runs scored en route to being named a 2014 Cape Cod League All-Star.

Stevenson is a graduate of St. Thomas More High School in Lafayette, LA where he was named a 2012 Louisville Slugger High School All-American and a Baseball America Third-Team All-American. He also earned All-District and All-Acadiana honors as a wide receiver on the school's football team.