Assistant Coach Jamey Shouppe once described the way to get to the Drew’s house from Tallahassee was to go North to Georgia, “ then east past two barns to Hahira.” It’s a distance of 82 miles. What you find when you get there is a population of 3,384 and the home of three former major league players, two of which became shining stars in Seminole baseball history.
David Jonathan Drew, called JD by everyone, is recognized by many as the greatest baseball player in Seminole history . Lending credence to that claim is the fact that he was the winner of the 1997 Golden Spikes award as Collegiate Baseball Player of the Year as well as the 1997 Dick Howser trophy. He was the first player to hit 30 home runs and steal 30 bases in the same season. His batting average—.455—is the highest in FSU history.
JD followed his Seminole career (1995-97) with 14 years in the Major Leagues. He played in 200 games in college and his #39 uniform was retired by Florida State on April 15, 2017.
Stephen Drew followed his big brother to Florida State and played in 167 games from 2002-04. He was not intimidated by his brother’s accomplishments and had a stellar Seminole career. He was named ACC Rookie of the Year in 2002 and earned All-ACC honors in all three seasons.
Together JD and Stephen Drew left a very large footprint on Seminole Baseball History.
Combined Seminole Totals by the combination of JD and Stephen Drew:
6 years: 367 games played; .372Avg; 1,377 At bats; 513 hits; 113 home runs; 426 RBI.
Tim Drew, a pitcher, elected to forego college and turn pro in 1997. He received the Lou Boudreau Award as 1999 Minor League Player of the Year and pitched in the Majors for 5 years before retiring.