A Promising Future
Eric Booth Jr., widely known as EJ, discovered his passion for baseball long before he ever stepped onto a professional field. In the quiet suburb of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, he would spend hours each afternoon swinging a makeshift bat at rocks, turning his front yard into an improvised training ground.
His raw talent did not go unnoticed. At the 2025 MLB draft, the Baltimore Orioles selected him with the seventh overall pick, a testament to a skill set that blended power, poise, and a relentless work ethic. The selection came with a $7.32 million signing bonus, underscoring the high expectations placed on the young prospect.
Booth’s family played a pivotal role in nurturing his ambition. His mother, Denise Booth, balanced a love for music as a flautist with unwavering support for his athletic pursuits, while his father, Eric Booth Sr., had once been drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays but opted instead for a career in football, a choice that left a legacy of perseverance.
Under the guidance of coach Chris McCardle, Booth refined his game, notably sharpening an arm that had previously been a question mark. A predraft workout in Sarasota, Florida, sealed the Orioles’ conviction, and the team soon recognized him as the top prospect in their system according to Baseball America.
The accolades piled up quickly. He earned the Mississippi High School Activities Association 7A Mr. Baseball award, made the Clarion Ledger’s Dandy Dozen list, and captured the home run derby at the Perfect Game All‑American Classic in Panama City Beach, Florida. Before turning professional, Booth committed to Vanderbilt University, where he earned multiple college scholarships and continued to climb the rankings.
Beyond statistics, Booth is celebrated for his humility and team‑first mentality. Teammates and opponents alike note his willingness to mentor younger players, a trait that has drawn praise from peers such as Billy Hamilton, Kirk McCarty, John Rhys Plumlee, Konnor Griffin, Kevin Roberts Jr., and Will Robertson, all of whom share the same draft class buzz.
Now, as he prepares to embark on his professional journey with the Orioles, Booth carries with him the lessons of his backyard drills, the encouragement of his parents, and the ambition of a player ranked among the nation’s elite. His story, still unfolding, promises to add a new chapter to the franchise’s rich history.