Drafted in the 1st round of the 2023 MLB Draft by the Seattle Mariners, Jonny Farmelo was one of the top high school prospects in his class. With an impressive display of power and athleticism, Farmelo looks to climb the Mariners ranks as he looks towards the day when his dreams of playing in the MLB come true. Originally committed to Virginia, Jonny was a star on the field throughout his high school career. As he was impressing scouts on the field, he was also developing off the field as well. Growing up in a Christian household, Jonny says his parents laid the foundation for the type of man that he wants to be. However, as he grew older, he says he has seen faith become more of a priority than ever before. “I am very blessed to have that support system, but also had to take it upon myself to grow in my faith. I think this change started to happen for me my junior year of high school. I started to feel more pressure and knew I would need to keep God first to be able to enjoy the blessings and gifts I have on the field.” As Jonny prepares for professional baseball, he knows that the journey will be filled with its own set of successes and challenges. Throughout the unknown, Jonny says that he has learned where to put His trust. Regardless of his performance on the field, Jonny says he finds his identity in being a child of God.
When talking to Jonny about his goals, they lie far beyond just the baseball field. While he hopes to become the best player that he can, he says that isn’t what matters the most. Instead, he looks to use everyday as a chance to serve others and be a beacon of light wherever he goes.
“The biggest impact I hope to have with my gifts is to be a disciple to others. I hope that I can meet and develop relationships with a ton of guys to the point where I can share my faith and encourage them to have the same freedom I have spiritually. I pray that I will be able to navigate all the temptations that come with being a pro and through those trials be able to lead others to a relationship with Jesus Christ.”
Drafted alongside two of his friends by Seattle (Colt Emerson and Tai Peete), Jonny cannot wait for his journey with the Mariners organization. As he prepares for his road towards the big leagues, he finds his purpose in something greater than the baseball field. He finds his joy and purpose in serving others.