SBLive Sports Florida High School Notebook: Vol. 1, No. 1

Former Bolles star DJ Stewart back in the majors; Florida led the way in MLB draft; FHSSAA Rozelle awards

Former Bolles School two-sport star DJ Stewart is back in the major leagues after being promoted from AAA Syracuse to the New York Mets on July 4th. Stewart was initially selected by the New York Yankees in the 28th round of the 2015 Major League Draft, but opted to play college baseball at Florida State where he became the ACC Player of the Year and an American Baseball Coaches Association All-American in his sophomore season.

In 2015 Stewart was drafted again, this time with the 25th overall pick in the first round by the Baltimore Orioles. He reached the big leagues in 2018 and played parts of five seasons with the Orioles, hitting 26 home runs before being released in 2022. He signed with the Mets last February.

Former Bolles School star DJ Stewart is back in the major leagues with the New York Mets :: Photo by Rich Story/USA Today Sports

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Which state had the most high school players selected in the 2023 Major League Baseball Draft? The answer is Florida. The Sunshine State had 17 high school players drafted during three rounds which took place last weekend in Seattle. That number out-distanced every other state including high school baseball power states such as California (14), Texas (12) and neighboring Georgia (11). SBLive Sports broke down every selection in every state in this informative piece.

Ajurn Nimmala of Strawberry Crest High School was highest picked Florida high school player in the 2023 Major League Draft, going to the Toronto Blue Jays with the 20th pick of the first round :: Photo by Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports

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Viera High football is seeking defensive assistant football coaches for the 2023 season. Varsity coaching experience is preferred but not required. Stipend positions are available. Interested parties should contact staples.shane@brevardschools.org.

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Edgewater cornerback Cari Bates has been invited to play in the 2023 US Army Bowl.

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The Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSSAA) has announced the recipients of this year's Fred E. Rozelle Sportsmanship Award, which recognizes member schools that promote sportsmanship both on and off the field and whose athletic teams demonstrated exemplary sportsmanship during the 2022-2023 school year. The winners and runners-up are:

First Place

1A - Wildwood

2A - Keswick Christian (St. Petersburg)

3A - Northside Christian (St. Petersburg)

4A - Bay (Panama City)

5A - Lely (Naples)

6A - Springstead (Spring Hill)

7A - Alonso (Tampa)

Second Place

1A - Aucilla Christian (Monticello)

2A - Northview (Century)

3A - Posnack (Davie)

4A - Holy Names (Tampa)

5A - Lake Buena Vista (Orlando)

6A - Pace

7A - Royal Palm Beach