If you are new to DeLand, you may be unaware of some of the major league talent our city has produced. The area has a rich history of musicians, artists, and designers, but recently several athletes have shown a spotlight on DeLand in a big way. Below are just a few along with recent notoriety they've received.
Chipper Jones
DeLand was the birthplace of the legendary Atlanta Braves third-baseman. He spent his entire career with the Braves from 1995 to 2012. Chipper’s roots spread north of DeLand to Pierson, Fla. where he grew up in the fern industry and played baseball from a very young age. This year Chipper was inducted into the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY. This local son will now forever be enshrined at one of the most popular sport’s exhibits in the world.
Jacob deGrom
Deleon Springs native and former Stetson Hatter standout Jacob deGrom is making waves in baseball these days. The New York Mets ace is pitching well, very well! Saying deGrom is the best pitcher in baseball is not an overstatement. He is currently carrying the best earned run average (ERA) than any other player in the league. Despite the Mets’ challenging season, many are presenting the case for deGrom as a candidate for the National League Cy Young Award, the position’s highest honor for a season. We certainly think he deserves it!
Corey Kluber
Another former Stetson Hatter, Corey Kluber is also standing out as pitcher the big leagues. Already, Kluber is a two-time all-star and a two-time American League Cy Young winner in the American League. This season, he has already won 19 games he has started in, a career-high for Kluber. The Cleveland Indians star is proving that he has a lot of prime baseball left in his career.
Mike Gillislee
Former Florida Gator and DeLand High School football star Mike Gillislee has been in the news recently also. Gillislee recently had his contract waved by the New England Patriots, but one day later he was signed by the New Orleans Saints. The local standout is looking to position himself as a top running back in 2018 with one of the NFL’s best teams.
Shaquem Griffin
Although he isn’t from Volusia County, he does have local ties and we would be remised to mention Shaquem Griffin. Griffin was a defensive linebacker for the University of Central Florida and was a key component to help the Knights achieve their undefeated season last year. The uplifting part of this story is that Griffin had a hand amputated as a boy. He has spent his entire life working hard to overcome this disability. He's excelled on the college field, turned heads at the NFL combine, and became drafted by the Seattle Seahawks where he is starting alongside his brother, Shaquille.