Yankees' New Shortstop George Lombard Jr. Draws on Soccer Roots to Shine
George Lombard Jr., the Yankees’ recent first-round pick, grew up playing both soccer and baseball, winning a Florida state title in soccer before focusing on baseball.
Yankees shortstop prospect George Lombard Jr. earned praise from teammate Cody Bellinger, who highlighted his character. Throughout high school he divided his time between soccer and baseball, and in his senior year he and his brother Jacob helped Gulliver Prep secure a Florida state championship. Months later he was selected in the first round of the MLB draft and is now developing as the Yankees’ shortstop.
Why it matters
Shows how a multi-sport background can accelerate a baseball prospect's development.
In this story
george lombard jrsoccer backgroundyankees shortstopflorida state championshipcody bellingergulliver prepmulti-sport athlete