Former Titan Drew Cavanaugh makes MLB debut

Former Eastern Florida State College baseball player Drew Cavanaugh has made his dream come true, making his Major League Baseball debut on Friday.

The catcher, who played for the Titans from 2020 to 2022, made his debut with the San Francisco Giants and went 1-for-3 with a single against the Atlanta Braves on Friday.

"Oh my gosh, all of those emotions. It was special," Cavanaugh said before Monday's game with the Arizona Diamondbacks. "All of that hard work paying off and I was just able to soak in the moment. It was unbelievable. You build it up in your head but it was even more amazing. And then seeing that ball go through the middle and reaching first base, just looking around and seeing the stadium and the crows. What a moment, something I will never forget."

On Saturday the Rochester Hills, Michigan native was back in the lineup, catching two-time All-Star Logan Webb. And he caught a gem as Webb allowed just one hit over seven innings in the win. Webb struck out six and walked two.

"What an experience that was," Cavanaugh said. "I have not caught a lot of guys here, a couple during spring training but not in real game situations so it has been really cool to catch these guys and just getting to know these pitchers and game plan with them, seeing how they work up here is all business and I love that. Just trying to be the best that I can be."

After getting a pinch hit on Monday that drove in a run, he was in the starting lineup for a third time on Monday night in Arizona and went 0-for-3 against the Diamondbacks.

"We are extremely proud of Drew Cavanaugh and congratulate him on reaching the Major Leagues," said College President Dr. Jim Richey. "Drew is a great example of our Titan mantra 'start here, go anywhere!' Our entire Eastern Florida State College family celebrates this outstanding career milestone and wishes him continued success with the Giants. We will be rooting for him this season."

Cavanaugh won a Gold Glove with the Titans in 2022 and hit .274 over his two seasons. In his sophomore season, Cavanaugh hit .314 with eight home runs.

The catcher had a career .989 fielding percentage and in his sophomore season did not commit an error in 278 chances.

"Incredibly happy for Drew and the success he's had since leaving Eastern Florida State College. His work ethic was instrumental in helping us build who we are now," Eastern Florida State College baseball coach Mitchell Gallagher, who was an assistant coach when Cavanaugh played with the Titans. "His ability on the field was evident, but he was also a leader with a team-first mentality. It's no surprise he's had immediate success each step along the way and we look forward to watching his journey continue!"

The Giants will play Arizona again on Wednesday in the final game of a three-game series beginning at 9:40 p.m.