News Summary
Caden Bodine, a standout catcher from Haddon Heights, has been selected 30th overall by the Baltimore Orioles in the competitive balance round of the MLB Draft. With a stellar collegiate career at Coastal Carolina, where he earned All-American honors and the Buster Posey National Collegiate Catcher of the Year Award, Bodine’s skills both at bat and behind the plate have impressed scouts. As a self-made player, his dedication and hard work throughout his high school and college years have paved the way for his successful entry into professional baseball.
Haddon Heights – Caden Bodine, a catcher from Haddon Heights, has been selected 30th overall by the Baltimore Orioles in the first competitive balance round of the 2025 MLB Draft. This prestigious selection comes after a remarkable collegiate career at Coastal Carolina, where Bodine showcased his exceptional skills on the field.
This past season, Bodine had his best year yet, earning recognition as an All-American and receiving the 2025 Buster Posey National Collegiate Catcher of the Year Award. His outstanding performance was critical in leading the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers to the College World Series finals, despite ultimately losing to LSU in the championship series.
Bodine is highly regarded as an all-around player, known for his ability to hit powerfully from both sides of the plate and for his elite defensive skills behind the plate. Throughout the 2024 season, he posted impressive statistics with a batting average of .318, a .454 on-base percentage, and a .461 slugging percentage. He also contributed significantly to his team with five home runs and 42 RBIs across 67 games.
The pathway to the MLB has been a journey shaped by Bodine’s hard work and dedication. His former high school coach emphasized that Bodine is a “self-made” player who embodies a strong work ethic. During his high school years at Haddon Heights, he focused on honing his skills locally, preferring to train intensively rather than participate in extensive travel showcases. Bodine was known to routinely practice on Saturdays and work independently after official practices.
During his high school tenure, Bodine caught the attention of scouts and was ranked as the ninth-best player in New Jersey’s Class of 2022 and the top catcher in the state by Perfect Game. His senior season at Haddon Heights was historic, leading the team to its best-ever record of 22 wins and 8 losses, culminating in the program’s first NJSIAA Group 2 final appearance.
Bodine made his commitment to Coastal Carolina during his sophomore year, attracted by the program’s hardworking ethos and no-nonsense approach. He made a significant impact during his time at the college, totaling 158 hits, 20 home runs, and 118 RBIs, along with an impressive .992 fielding percentage during his freshman and sophomore years. His consistent performance and growth into a vocal leader gained the appreciation of his coaches and teammates alike.
Coach Kevin Schall from Coastal Carolina praised Bodine as “the total package,” highlighting his combination of skills and leadership qualities both on and off the field. Bodine’s dedication to improvement and his humble nature contributed to his successful career and paved the way for his selection by the Orioles.
Notably, Bodine is among other local talents in the 2025 draft. Frank Cairone was also drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers as the 68th overall pick, adding to a growing list of local players entering the professional ranks, including previous picks like Kevin McGonigle and Trey Yesavage. The 2025 MLB Draft, held during July 13-14 at the MLB All-Star break, has showcased the potential of emerging stars from the region.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Coastal Carolina’s Historic Season Ends in Championship Loss
Coastal Carolina Baseball Team Returns Home After Series
Chanticleers Secure Spot in College World Series Championship
Caden Bodine Emerges as Top MLB Prospect in College World Series
Additional Resources
- NJ.com: Caden Bodine Drafted by Orioles
- Inquirer: Caden Bodine Draft Overview
- Courier Post: Haddon Heights Alum Bodine Enters Draft
- Inquirer: Bodine and Philly Area Prospects
- NJ.com: Top Catching Prospect in Draft
- Wikipedia: Caden Bodine
- Google Search: Caden Bodine MLB Draft
- Google Scholar: Caden Bodine
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Caden Bodine
- Google News: Caden Bodine MLB Draft
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