A Milestone Draft Selection for McNeese State
Eric Nachtsheim, a right‑handed pitcher from McNeese State, heard his name called in the sixth round of the 2026 MLB draft, landing as the 179th overall pick of the San Francisco Giants. The selection marks the culmination of a season in which he posted an 8‑4 record, a 3.39 earned run average, and a program‑record 129 strikeouts across 93 innings.
Nachtsheim’s performance was highlighted by a dominant stretch that saw him walk just 21 batters while fanning a school‑best 129 opponents. His 6‑foot‑4, 235‑pound frame, combined with a high‑velocity fastball and sharp breaking ball, made him a coveted prospect heading into the draft combine in Phoenix, where he impressed scouts with his poise and pitch mix.
The draft pick also represents a significant milestone for head coach Justin Hill, who has now seen 16 of his players selected since taking the helm in 2014. Nachtsheim joins a distinguished list of 62 McNeese alumni who have been chosen in the MLB draft, underscoring the program’s steady pipeline of talent.
Within the context of McNeese history, Nachtsheim’s sixth‑round slot ranks among the eight highest selections ever made by a Cowboy, reflecting both his individual excellence and the program’s growing reputation on the national stage.