"I wear #11 for Ken" - Braves No. 24 overall pick Cam Caminiti eager to carry on his cousin's legacy in the big leagues
The Atlanta Braves have selected Cam Caminiti with the 24th overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft. He is a left-handed pitcher and outfielder from Saguaro High School in Arizona.
Caminiti is excited to join the Braves, not only because of the team's reputation but also because of his family connection. He is the cousin of former National League MVP Ken Caminiti.
Talking about the Atlanta Braves, Cam Caminiti said (via MLB.com):
“I know they’re a great organization and they win a lot of games. They’ve got a lot of great young talent. I’m excited to be a Brave.”
Ken Caminiti played for the Atlanta Braves for a short stint during the 2001 season. He was released by the Texas Rangers in July of the same year and joined the Braves a few days later.
After struggling with substance abuse issues throughout his life, Ken Caminiti died on October 10, 2004, at the age of 41 due to a drug overdose.
Discussing about his cousin Ken Caminiti, Cam said:
“Unfortunately, I never got to meet Cam before he passed away. I’m super excited because he played his last year with the Atlanta Braves and I wear a number #11 for Ken. So I am excited to continue the legacy of the Caminiti last name.”
Being selected for the All-Star Game three times and winning the Gold Glove Award three times are some of Ken Caminiti’s achievements. He was inducted into the San Diego Padres Hall of Fame in 2016 and will be inducted into the Houston Astros Hall of Fame in August 2024.
Braves scouting director Ronit Shah opens up about Cam Caminiti
Cam Caminiti, ranked as the 15th best draft prospect by MLB Pipeline, graduated a year early, reclassifying to the Class of 2024. He can throw a fastball at 98 mph and was excellent as both a pitcher and a hitter in high school.
Discussing about him, Braves scouting director Ronit Shah said (via MLB.com):
“[Caminiti] has got a huge arm. You’ll see him sit mid-90s, and I’ve seen him gear up to throw 96 or 97 at the end of a high school game, which is super impressive. I think what impresses me most is how easy he does it.”
During a game in early March, Cam Caminiti struck out 16 batters. He also led Saguaro High School in Scottsdale, Arizona, to its first state championship in 13 years.