Ethan Petry, South Carolina baseball’s standout hitter, was drafted No. 49 overall by the Washington Nationals during the second round of the 2025 MLB Draft on July 13. This marks a significant achievement for Petry, who at 21 years old and standing 6-foot-4, has made a name for himself across his three seasons with the Gamecocks.
Petry’s impressive track record includes setting a freshman record with 23 home runs in 2023 and adding 21 more as a sophomore. Although he faced challenges this past season due to a shoulder injury that sidelined him for the SEC tournament and the last month, he still managed to achieve 10 home runs. He left South Carolina with 200 career hits, 54 home runs, and 162 RBIs, wrapping up his collegiate career with a .336 batting average and a .661 slugging percentage.
In 2025, Petry played in 44 games, a record low for the Gamecocks, who finished the season at 28-29. Nevertheless, he maintained a notable performance, hitting .321, scoring 30 runs, and accomplishing a nine-game hitting streak along with a 16-game on-base streak. His summer stint in the Cape Cod Baseball League was also remarkable, where he led the league in home runs, slugging, and on-base percentage, earning MVP honors.
As the first draft pick under Coach Paul Mainieri, who completed his first season with the Gamecocks this year, Petry’s selection highlights a promising future not only for him but also for South Carolina baseball. His accolades such as being named a D1Baseball.com Third Team All-American and making multiple All-SEC lists reflect his dedication and potential.
Overall, Ethan Petry’s journey exemplifies resilience and talent, serving as an inspiration for aspiring athletes. With a solid foundation laid during his time at South Carolina, he steps into the professional baseball arena with numerous accolades and a bright future ahead.