Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
McMahon hopes to be first-round pick
Pitcher preparing for MLB Draft on familiar mound at Rustin
A tall solitary figure stands on the pitcher’s mound at West Chester Rustin, throwing to old high school friends. A catcher’s mitt pops with the thudding sound of a Major League caliber fastball.
Former Rustin baseball star Chris McMahon is getting ready for his moment in the spotlight.
The tall right-hander has been back home, preparing for the June 10th Major League Baseball Amateur Draft, where is is slated to be an early-round draft pick.
McMahon’s 2020 season at the University of Miami was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but in the games that were played, McMahon was having a big year. He jetted out to a 3-0 record in four starts, with a 1.05 ERA and 38 strike outs in 25 innings.
Last week he was named a Second Team All American.
“It definitely was a big disappointment when the season was cancelled,” McMahon said. “But, the virus affected a whole lot of people and I know they had to do the right thing although I would have loved to get the season in.”
McMahon is a 2017 graduate of West Chester Rustin, and in his senior year with the Golden Knights, he went 8-0 with an .077 ERA and was named the Daily Local News All-Area Baseball Player of the Year.
Coming out of high school, McMahon was drafted in the 33rd round by the Atlanta Braves, but chose to go to Miami instead.
West Chester Rustin head coach Brad Harkins talked about his former ace.
“Whatever organization drafts Chris, they are getting a tremendously well-rounded individual,” Harkins said. “Clearly, his skill set and natural ability is incredible, but what is more impressive are his intangibles, humility, competitiveness, positive and fun attitude, work rate and care and support for his teammates. The combination of these attributes are what makes him so rare. Whoever drafts him will be lucky to have him.”
McMahon says he does not care which major league team drafts him and hopes to go pretty high in the June 10 draft.
“Going to Miami was definitely a culture shock for me,” McMahon said. “They play baseball a whole different way down there and you have to get your mindset accustomed to it. The weather is very nice so that is a real good thing. And it is one of the highest levels of baseball along with California and Texas.
“It definitely was a good place to be for three years and I really got along with all my teammates and coaches,” McMahon said. “Miami is a very cool place with South Beach and everything but you don’t have time for any of that when you are a baseball player. I hope to go in the late first round but you never know. I am just taking things as they come and trying to enjoy the moment.”