A Historic Day for Chanticleer Pitching
Day 2 of the 2026 MLB Draft delivered a surprise for the Chanticleer baseball program as two of its veteran arms came off the board within hours of each other. Right‑hander Ross Norman, a junior, was selected by the Baltimore Orioles in the 11th round with the 320th overall pick, while redshirt senior Darin Horn found a home with the Chicago White Sox in the 16th round at the 465th spot.
Both pitchers bring a blend of experience and upside that helped shape Coastal Carolina’s recent success. Norman, who transferred from Georgia State, posted a 6‑2 record with a 3.21 ERA this season, striking out 65 batters in 78 innings. Horn, a consensus All‑America and first‑team All‑Sun Belt selection, finished the year with eight wins, seven saves and a 3.21 ERA, fanning 93 opponents in 67.1 innings.
Ross Norman’s Journey to the Orioles
Norman’s path to the majors has been marked by steady improvement. After a standout stint at Georgia State where he fanned 98 batters over 102 innings, he transferred to Coastal Carolina and quickly became a weekend starter. His three‑hit complete‑game shutout against James Madison showcased his poise under pressure, and his 65 strikeouts this season ranked him second on the staff in wins and innings pitched.
Darin Horn’s Path to the White Sox
Horn’s collegiate career culminated in a dominant senior season that earned him consensus All‑America honors and a spot on the All‑Sun Belt First Team. He finished with an 8‑2 record, seven saves and a 3.21 ERA, while striking out 93 batters in 67.1 innings and holding opponents to a .241 batting average. His eight wins and seven saves tied him for second in the Sun Belt Conference, underscoring his dual-threat ability as both a starter and a closer.
Cameron Flukey Sets New Benchmark
The Chanticleers’ draft momentum began earlier when Cameron Flukey became the program’s highest‑ever pick, selected No. 22 overall by the Detroit Tigers in the first round. Flukey’s ascent illustrates the effectiveness of Coastal Carolina’s player development pipeline, which has consistently produced talent capable of competing at the highest levels of professional baseball.
A Legacy of Consistency
What sets this draft class apart is not just the individual selections but the program’s remarkable consistency. Coastal Carolina has now seen at least one player drafted in each of the past 30 years, a streak that reflects sustained excellence in player development and exposure. The Chanticleers have also been regulars in the NCAA Tournament, highlighted by a run to the 2025 Men’s College World Series, reinforcing their reputation as a national contender.