Niskayuna’s Garrett Whitley Drafted No. 13 by the Tampa Bay Rays

On Monday night, Niskayuna outfielder Garrett Whitley was selected by the Tampa Bay Rays as the No. 13 overall pick. 

"That's just awesome, "said Whitley, to MLB Network when asked about his large cheering section at the draft, immediately after getting picked. "They've had my back this entire time. They do it here too, that's pretty cool."

Whitley explained the emotions he was going through:

"Euphoria. Nothing is definite until it happens. I'm shaking right now. This has been my dream for so long. I couldn't be happier."

What does the longtime Boston Red Sox fan now think about his new team?

"The Rays are the best team in baseball," Whitley said with a smile.

Whitley has become the second player from the Capital District drafted in the first round of the MLB Draft in as many years. Last year, Shaker's Jeff Hoffman went No. 9 overall.

The high school senior joined 104.5 The Team last week and explained why a baseball general manager should select him:

“They should take Garrett Whitley because he’s a strong, athletic ballplayer," said Whitley, "Who has five tools, and is one of the most mature players in the draft – ready for pro ball.”

Whitley was at the MLB draft, one of only three players who accepted Major League Baseball's invite to be there.

MLB.com draft expert Jonathan Mayo had Whiltey projected Whitley anywhere from No.10 to No.17.

Mayo said that Whitley has a skillset comparable to Mike Trout and that his bat speed is what big league teams are specifically impressed by. Justin Upton of the Padres is one of the comparisons that Mayo made to Whitley.