Carter Kieboom is five years younger than his brother, Trevor, and seven years younger than his oldest brother, Spencer, meaning the 18-year-old shortstop from Walton High School in Marietta, Ga., has never had the chance to play as their teammates.
The chance to do so changed on Thursday night when the Washington Nationals selected Kieboom 28th overall in the First-Year Player draft. Spencer is a catcher for the Harrisburg Senators, the Nationals Double-A affiliate, and was drafted by Washington in the fifth round in 2012.
“To be selected by the Nationals is really special,” Carter said during a conference call with reporters on Friday. “I’ve never been able to play with my older brothers because of how much older they are than me. Now to be given the potential opportunity to play on the same team with Spencer in a few years, that’d be a very cool scenario to take place.”
Kieboom was in Washington for a workout earlier this month with the Nationals and reaffirmed the team’s desire to select the shortstop, who hit .366 with five home runs, 37 RBI, seven stolen bases and 39 runs scored during his senior season at Walton.
“Carter we saw all year,” Nationals’ assistant general manager and vice president of scouting operations Kris Kline said during a conference call on Thursday. “[He] was actually here for a workout and it was a very good workout and that was a big selling point for us as well.”
The trip to Washington coincided with his brother’s game against the Richmond Flying Squirrels on June 3, which was rained out. Still, Spencer was able to give Carter a tour of the clubhouse and a glimpse of the life he’ll soon be living.
“Went on the field, got to experience the clubhouse a little bit, hang out with the guys,” Carter said. “[Spencer] just kind of gave me a heads up of what you’re walking into, the real differences, the diversity in the locker room, guys coming from all different angles and really balance that out and be the guy that guys wanna hang around with in the locker room.”
Kline said during the conference call that the plan is for Kieboom to remain at shortstop during his development. Kieboom, who has committed to Clemson, said he will announce whether he will play for the Tigers or sign with the Nationals on Saturday.
“I haven’t told anyone 100 percent what I’m gonna do,” Kieboom said. “I’ll make that here within the next day, probably tomorrow make that decision. I’m very thankful for the Nationals organization to give me this opportunity I’ve been dreaming of my whole life.”
• Anthony Gulizia can be reached at agulizia@washingtontimes.com.
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