Valley League Alum In The Majors (2024)

On May 27th, the Shenandoah Valley Baseball League kicked off the 2024 season. The SVBL is a local summer collegiate baseball league that has been around since 1897.  Hundreds of players who have played in this league have gone on to play in the Majors. I'll try and go to a few games each year in support of my hometown team, the Waynesboro Generals. Last year, I thought it would be fun to look at some of the league's alumni playing in the Majors. Why not do it again this year? As far as I can tell, there are currently 14 former SVBL players who have appeared in a Major League game so far this year.

Austin Adams, Athletics

(2011 Staunton Braves)

2020 Topps Total #802 Austin Adams

 

Adams is in his 8th Major League season, having debuted in 2017 with the Washington Nationals. After stops in Seattle, San Diego and Arizona, he's become a valuable member of the Oakland bullpen this year.

 

Graham Ashcraft, Reds

(2018 Waynesboro Generals)

2023 Topps #214 Graham Ashcraft (RC)

 

Ashcraft is one of two current players who have played for my hometown team, the Waynesboro Generals. He is among the stable of exciting young players that have started coming up through the Reds' system. 

 

Dominic Canzone, Mariners 

(2017 Front Royal Cardinals) 

2024 Topps #195 Dominc Canzone (RC)

 

Canzone debuted last year with Arizona, and was later traded to Seattle in the deal that sent closer Paul Sewald to the Diamondbacks.

 

Chris Devenski, Rays

(2011 Woodstock River Bandits)

2020 Topps Heritage #651 Chris Devenski

 

Devenski was once one of the top relievers in baseball, making the 2017 All-Star team as a member of  the eventual World Series Champion Houston Astros. Arm injuries limited him to just 25 games between 2020-2022. Healthy again, he is now a member of the Rays' bullpen.

 

Brendan Donovan, Cardinals

(2016 New Market Rebels)

2024 Topps #7 Brendan Donovan

 

Donovan's name is etched in history as the National League's first ever winner of the Gold Glove at the  Utility position. He has primarily played LF for the Cardinals this year, with some appearances at 2B and 3B as well.

Reed Garrett, Mets

(2013 New Market Rebels) 

2023 Choice Norfolk Tides
#13 Reed Garrett

  

Garrett is having a career year so far with the Mets, already establishing career highs in appearances and innings pitched.  He is currently among the league leaders in wins for relievers.

 

Austin Gomber, Rockies

(2012 Luray Wranglers)

2024 Topps #340 Austin Gomber

 

Gomber has been a part of the Rockies' rotation for the past four years. He was one of the players the Rockies received from St. Louis in exchange for Nolan Arenado.

 

Romy Gonzalez, Red Sox

(2016 Staunton Braves)

2024 Topps Chicago White Sox
#CWS-9 Romy Gonzalez

Gonzalez is now a bench/utility player for the Red Sox, having been selected off waivers this past January. He made his debut as a September call-up in 2021. He is currently on the IL with a hamstring strain.

Wyatt Langford, Rangers

(2021 Charlottesville Tom Sox) 

2024 Topps Now #12 Wyatt Langford

  

Langford was the fourth overall pick in last year's draft, and remarkably played his way to the Opening Day roster this season.

 

Connor Norby, Orioles

(2019 Waynesboro Generals) 

2023 Panini Chronicles - Vertex
#26 Connor Norby

  

Norby becomes the latest alum to make his Major League debut, playing his first game on June 3rd. He hit his first home run the next day.

 

Emilio Pagan, Reds

(2010 Harrisonburg Turks)

2023 Topps Heritage
#415 Emilio Pagan (SP)

 

Pagan is a successful reliever who has appeared in almost 400 games since he reached the Majors in 2017. He has played for 6 teams, and is currently a member of the Cincinati Reds.

 

Vinnie Pasquantino, Royals

(2017 Charlottesville Tom Sox)

2024 Topps Heritage
#365 Vinnie Pasquantino

 

Pasquantino's nickname is "The Italian Nightmare". He was a member of Team Italy during the 2023 World Baseball Classic.

 

Nate Pearson, Blue Jays

(2016 Staunton Braves)

2022 Topps - Oversized 1987 Topps
Future Stars Box Topper
#87FS-18 Nate Pearson

 

Pearson was a 1st Round draft pick for Toronto in 2017. His rookie debut came during the COVID-shortened 2020 season. His first game was a "home" game in Washington D.C. against Max Scherzer. (COVID restrictions forced the Blue Jays to play all of their games stateside, and their AAA Stadium in Buffalo wasn't ready yet, so they played the Nationals as the home team in D.C.)

 

Ryan Yarbrough, Dodgers

(2012 Luray Wranglers)

2023 Topps Update #US87
Ryan Yarbrough

 

Last year, Yarbrough suffered multiple fractures when a 106 mph line drive struck him in the head. He recovered nicely and is currently one of the Dodger's better relievers.