CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) – It’s a Monday phone call Jake Munroe will never forget.
The graduate of Champaign Central received news from his agent that the Los Angeles Angels had shown interest in drafting him with pick No. 109. Shortly after, he got another call confirming that it was indeed happening.
The Angels selected the Louisville product with their fourth round pick.
“I was kind of sitting in disbelief and, and couldn’t actually believe until I saw on TV,” Munroe told WCIA. “It’s still a pinch me moment.”
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His outstanding performance in college earned him this opportunity. He spent two years at John A Logan in junior college, where he batted .339 as a freshman and .415 as a sophomore. Transitioning to Division I was no struggle for him. As a native of Champaign, he maintained a .346 batting average with Louisville in 2025 and hit 13 home runs, playing a key role in the Cardinals’ journey to the College World Series.
“We’re just so thrilled for him,” said his mother, Anna Munroe. “It’s been his dream since he was a child, and it’s one thing to dream it – but to see it realized… it’s just incredible. We feel extremely blessed because not everyone gets that chance.”
Munroe, listed as a third baseman, was one of two Champaign Central graduates picked in the 2025 MLB Draft. Right handed pitcher Joel Sarver was selected by the Diamondbacks in the 17th round.
