Jack Leiter, Delbarton Grad And Son Of Al Leiter, Drafted No. 2

MORRIS TOWNSHIP, NJ — Jack Leiter is officially following in his father's footsteps. The Rangers selected Delbarton School alumnus second overall Sunday in the MLB Draft, likely giving the top prospect the first home of his much-anticipated pro career.

Leiter's father, Al, played seven seasons for the Mets and four for the Yankees in his 19-year career. Jack Leiter had been a top prospect out of Delbarton in the 2019 draft, but he expressed a strong interest in attending Vanderbilt University. The Yankees drafted him in the 20th round in 2019, but Leiter instead enrolled at Vanderbilt to play college baseball.

"Obviously it's really hard to put into words," Leiter told MLB Network after getting drafted. "But I'm just so happy that I was able to have my family and friends and people that I care about here to celebrate with."

The Summit native shined from the start for the Commodores, pitching five no-hit innings and striking out 12 in his college debut Feb. 18, 2020, against South Alabama. As a freshman, Leiter went 2-0 with a 1.72 ERA in a season that the pandemic shortened.

As a sophomore, Leiter began as a Preseason All-American. He tossed 20.2 straight no-hit innings, spanning three starts from March 20 against South Carolina to April 2 versus LSU.

He finished the season 11-4 with a 2.13 ERA in 18 appearances. He helped lead Vanderbilt to an appearance in the College World Series championship.

"Jack is mature, intentional and predictable in his habits on and off the field," said Vanderbilt head coach Tim Corbin. " … He gets it. Extremely proficient in all student-athlete activities. Although just a second-year player, he operates like someone who has been in the program for 3-4 years."

Leiter collected plenty of accolades at Delbarton, including 2019 New Jersey Gatorade Player of the Year becoming an Under Armour All-American and 2019 Perfect Game All-American.

Al Leiter continues to work in baseball, serving as an advisor of baseball operations for the Mets and as a studio analyst for the MLB Network. The Bayville native won three World Series titles, made two All-Star appearances and pitched a no-hitter with the Marlins in 1996.

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