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Back-To-Back First-Rounders! FSU's James Tibbs, Cam Smith go No. 13, 14 in MLB Draft

On3 imageby:Ira Schoffel07/14/24

iraschoffel

James Tibbs and Cam Smith were a devastating one-two punch in the heart of Florida State’s offensive lineup this season, and on Sunday evening they went back-to-back in the first round of the MLB Draft.

Tibbs was selected with the No. 13 overall pick by the San Francisco Giants, then Smith went at No. 14 to the Chicago Cubs.

It marks the first time Florida State has had two first-round picks in the same draft since 1995, when pitchers Jonathan Johnson and David Yocum went to the Texas Rangers and Los Angeles Dodgers. Johnson was the No. 7 overall selection, while Yocum went at No. 20.

Tibbs, a junior from Marietta, Ga., was the ACC Player of the Year this past season and a first-team All-American. While leading the Seminoles to the College World Series, he started all 66 games in right field and hit .363 with 91 hits, 18 doubles and 28 home runs.

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Tibbs’ home run total was the most for a Florida State player since 1999, and his 95 RBIs were the most for a Seminole since that same season.

Smith, a sophomore from Lake Worth, received second- or third-team All-America honors from multiple outlets. The third baseman batted .387 this season with a career-high 16 home runs.

Tibbs and Smith are Florida State’s first first-round picks since catcher Mat Nelson in 2021. Before that, outfielder DJ Stewart was selected in the first round of the 2015 draft.

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