The Frederick Keys Baseball Team is entering its second year in the MLB Draft League and couldn't be more excited! In 2021, when minor league baseball was restructured from 160 to 120 teams, The Keys were invited by MLB to join five other formerly MLB-affiliated teams in the mid-Atlantic region to launch the inaugural season of the league, which creates teams with players who are primarily from the college ranks, but who must me draft-eligible to participate—hence the name "MLB Draft League." Players are able to play in front of scouts and people from various MLB teams and have an additional showcase beyond their standard collegiate season. The league provides tougher competition and uses wooden bats (like in the MLB), instead of aluminum bats (which are used in college). Players get one last opportunity to show why they should be drafted and hopefully earn a higher draft position than when they first arrived.
Last year there was a proof of concept, as seven players from the Frederick Keys were drafted, and another four players signed free agent deals following the draft (meaning a MLB team signed them to their minor league system). And, most notably, Alex Ulloa, an infielder who primarily plays shortstop for The Keys, was the highest drafted player in league history when he was drafted in the fourth round last year! Ulloa elected not to sign his contract and will be back for the 2022 season with the Frederick Keys, along with five other returning players who are still considered draft prospects. "These guys were able to go back to college and play a year to increase their draft stocks and then return to us," says General Manager, Andrew Klein.
"Transitioning into this league was not so drastic," Klein explains. "We are still affiliated with Major League Baseball and they are involved in helping to find the players who will be invited to the league every year based on who they want to see. The big difference is that we receive players just slightly before the draft, as opposed to, in the past, when we would get guys after they were drafted...Although we don’t have a single affiliation, now have an affiliation with all thirty teams because all of our guys could potentially get drafted to any MLB team. That’s kind of cool that you can have a Frederick Key in any system now as opposed to only one...And, you get to see guys before they make it big, so to speak. Even if they may be a highly recruited player or prospect. You have more access. You have more ability to get to know a player and become a fan before the rest of the world knows them.”
The one thing that hasn't changed is the quality experience for the fans. When you arrive to Nymeo Stadium, expect to participate with up to 5400 fans in more than just the game on the field. On any one of the 40-game days, look for special promotional nights, give-aways, celebrity appearances, in-between inning games and prizes, and even try to catch a hot dog from Tito the Hot Dog Man (aka General Manager Andrew Klein, who has filled the roll—pun intended—since 2017, and says there is no way he will give it up). Come early and take the kids to the Fun Zone, which includes games and a carousel. Stay late to watch the fireworks show following Friday and Saturday night games. And, enjoy food offerings in one of the concession stands, picnic areas, suites or club seating. There is something for everyone!
2022 Promotional Schedule
06.15.2022
Bark in the Park
Bring your dog to Nymeo Stadium
06.19.2022
Father's Day
Play catch in the outfield
07.01.2022
Keyote's Birthday
Minions-themed birthday party with fireworks
07.09.2022
Christmas in July
Fireworks Presented by CARE Veterinary Center
07.23.2022
Sandlot Night & Scout Night
Chauncey Leopardi "Squints" Celebrity Appearance
08.04.2022
Super Splash Day
Bring your bathing suit for water fun on the field
08.12.2022
Wrestling Night
Appearance by WWE Hall of Famer Hacksaw Jim Duggan
08.13.2022
Parks and Recreation Night
Jim O'Heir (aka Jerry Gergich) Celebrity Appearance
08.19.2022
Cancer Awareness Night
Jersey Auction Presented by American Cancer Society
09.03.2022
Art in The Park
Jersey Auction Presented By The Frederick Arts Council