October 5, 2024

OC Sports Zone: Community First

Family ‘super proud’ of Matt McLain after he’s drafted in MLB first round by Reds

The Beckman family, including (from left) Wendi McLain, Matt McLain’s mother; Matt McLain; Nick McLain and Michael McLain (the father) were together on Sunday for draft day. (Photo courtesy McLain family)

Family and friends gathered Sunday at the McLain house in Tustin to watch the Major League Draft and saw Matt McLain, the former Beckman and UCLA standout, drafted in the first round as the 17th overall pick by the Cincinnati Reds.

McLain’s mother Wendi and father Michael were among those on hand.

“As a family we are super proud of all that Matthew has accomplished at Beckman High School and UCLA,” McLain’s father, Michael, told OC Sports Zone Monday. “We think the Reds are a great fit for Matthew and we look forward to watching him as he begins his professional career.”

Michael McLain said his son has not signed yet with the Reds, who drafted him as a shortstop.

“We don’t yet know when he will sign but I assume once he does he will start off in Phoenix, Arizona where the Reds have their spring training,” he said.

To read about McLain’s big day on Sunday, please click here.

Two other McLain brothers are in college baseball. Sean McLain is playing at Arizona State and was selected to play on the USA National under 17-team while Nick McLain, who completed his senior year at Beckman, has signed to play at UCLA.

—Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com