Many experts project the Cleveland Guardians, owners of the No. 1 pick, will select Condon when the draft opens at 6 p.m. on Sunday (TV: MLB Network, ESPN).
Condon is a widely projected top-three selection, which would make him the highest-drafted Bulldog of all time.
Condon would also be the 15th Bulldog to be drafted in the first round and the first since Emerson Hancock, who the Seattle Mariners took with the No. 6 pick in 2020.
1987: Derek Lilliquist, LHP, Atlanta Braves (pick No. 6)
1987: Cris Carpenter, RHP, St. Louis Cardinals (pick No. 14)
1986: Ron Wenrich, OF, Cincinnati Reds (pick No. 18)
1985: Jim Hunter, RHP, Montreal Expos (pick No. 9)
1980: Jeff Pyburn, OF, San Diego Padres (pick No. 5)
1976: Larry Littleton, OF, Pittsburgh Pirates (pick No. 6)
1975: John Henderson, C, Chicago Cubs (pick No. 4)
Hancock is Georgia’s only active first-round pick in Major League Baseball. UGA’s former ace debuted with the Mariners in 2023 and has appeared in nine starts in 2024, holding a 4.76 season ERA.
Gordon Beckham, drafted by the Chicago White Sox in 2008, is Georgia’s most recent first-round position player to play at the major league level. Beckham played the majority of his 11-year career with the White Sox before officially retiring in 2022.
Beckham played his part in Georgia’s NCAA Tournament run in 2024, advising Condon as he navigated MLB Draft noise through the postseason.
“He’s been nothing but a mentor and a positive voice in my ear and a voice of reason,” Condon said in June. “He’s been in a similar situation with the team and individual success. He’s been extremely helpful to me.”
Drafted 12 picks after Gordon in 2008 was pitcher Josh Fields, who spent six years as a major league reliever with the Houston Astros and Los Angeles Dodgers. Fields finished with a 17-12 record and a 3.71 career ERA.
Georgia produced a duo of first-rounders in the 1987 draft when pitchers Derek Lilliquist and Cris Carpenter went to the Atlanta Braves and St. Louis Cardinals.
Lilliquist pitched for the Braves, San Diego Padres, Cleveland Indians, Boston Red Sox and Cincinnati Reds. Lilliquist also coached pitching for the Cardinals and Nationals, winning the 2011 World Series with St. Louis.
Carpenter threw for the Cardinals, Florida Marlins, Texas Rangers and Milwaukee Brewers. He finished his eight-year career with a 3.91 career ERA.
A first-round pick is a sure step towards reaching the major league stage, but it is no guarantee. Only eight of UGA’s 14 first round picks worked through the minor league ranks and into MLB.
UGA coach Wes Johnson, who spent three years coaching Minnesota Twins pitchers, understands what the next level holds for Condon.
Johnson has often expressed his confidence in Condon, and did so again when discussing how MLB-ready the Golden Spikes Award winner is back in April.
“It’s the best players in the world, man,” Johnson said. “Until they get there, you don’t know, but do I say he’s on a really good track? Absolutely.”
Georgia third baseman Charlie Condon, facing, celebrates a run he scored in their dugout during the third inning of their game against Vanderbilt at Foley Field, Friday, May 3, 2024, in Athens, Ga. No. 19-ranked Georgia defeated No. 13 Vanderbilt 10-0. (Jason Getz / AJC)
Photographer: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com
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Georgia third baseman Charlie Condon (right) won the the Golden Spikes Award, which goes to the nation's best amateur baseball player. Condon already won the Dick Howser Award, presented to college baseball's best player. Take a look at photos of Condon on the field from the AJC's Jason Getz.
Photographer: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com
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Georgia’s Charlie Condon celebrates after hitting a solo home run with Georgia’s Josh Stinson (0) during the first inning against Army in the NCAA division I baseball Athens Regional at Foley Field, Friday, May 31, 2024, in Athens, Ga. Georgia won 8-7. (Jason Getz / AJC)
Photographer: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com
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Georgia third baseman Charlie Condon, facing, hugs Georgia pitcher DJ Radtke after their 8-5 loss to N.C. State in Game 3 of the NCAA Super Regional at Foley Field, Monday, June 10, 2024, in Athens, Ga. (Jason Getz / AJC)
Photographer: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com
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Georgia third baseman Charlie Condon before Game 3 against N.C. State of the NCAA Super Regional at Foley Field, Monday, June 10, 2024, in Athens, Ga. (Jason Getz / AJC)
Photographer: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com
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Georgia third baseman Charlie Condon hits a home run during the ninth inning against N.C. State in Game 3 of the NCAA Super Regional at Foley Field, Monday, June 10, 2024, in Athens, Ga. This was Condon’s 37th home run of the season. Georgia lost 8-5. (Jason Getz / AJC)
Photographer: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com
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Georgia third baseman Charlie Condon jogs around the bases after hitting a home run during the ninth inning against N.C. State in Game 3 of the NCAA Super Regional at Foley Field, Monday, June 10, 2024, in Athens, Ga. This was Condon’s 37th home run of the season. Georgia lost 8-5. (Jason Getz / AJC)
Photographer: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com
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Georgia third baseman Charlie Condon (24) celebrates his solo home run with a teammate during the ninth inning against N.C. State in Game 3 of the NCAA Super Regional at Foley Field, Monday, June 10, 2024, in Athens, Ga. This was Condon’s 37th home run of the season. Georgia lost 8-5. (Jason Getz / AJC)
Photographer: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com
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Georgia third baseman Charlie Condon while playing defense in Game 3 against N.C. State of the NCAA Super Regional at Foley Field, Monday, June 10, 2024, in Athens, Ga. (Jason Getz / AJC)
Photographer: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com
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Georgia third baseman Charlie Condon during an at-bat in Game 3 against N.C. State of the NCAA Super Regional at Foley Field, Monday, June 10, 2024, in Athens, Ga. (Jason Getz / AJC)
Photographer: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com
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Georgia third baseman Charlie Condon during an at-bat in Game 3 against N.C. State of the NCAA Super Regional at Foley Field, Monday, June 10, 2024, in Athens, Ga. (Jason Getz / AJC)
Photographer: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com
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Georgia third baseman Charlie Condon hits a home run during the ninth inning against N.C. State in Game 3 of the NCAA Super Regional at Foley Field, Monday, June 10, 2024, in Athens, Ga. Georgia lost 8-5. (Jason Getz / AJC)
Photographer: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com
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Georgia third baseman Charlie Condon jogs around the bases after hitting a solo home run during the ninth inning against N.C. State in Game 3 of the NCAA Super Regional at Foley Field, Monday, June 10, 2024, in Athens, Ga. Georgia lost 8-5. (Jason Getz / AJC)
Photographer: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com
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Georgia’s Charlie Condon prepares to hit during the first inning against N.C. State in Game 2 of the NCAA Super Regional at Foley Field, Sunday, June 9, 2024, in Athens, Ga. Georgia won 11-2 to force a deciding Game 3. (Jason Getz / AJC)
Photographer: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com
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Georgia’s Charlie Condon hits a single during the first inning against N.C. State in Game 2 of the NCAA Super Regional at Foley Field, Sunday, June 9, 2024, in Athens, Ga. Georgia won 11-2 to force a deciding Game 3. (Jason Getz / AJC)
Photographer: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com
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Georgia’s Charlie Condon runs to first base after hitting a single during the first inning against N.C. State in Game 2 of the NCAA Super Regional at Foley Field, Sunday, June 9, 2024, in Athens, Ga. Georgia won 11-2 to force a deciding Game 3. (Jason Getz / AJC)
Photographer: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com
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Georgia’s Charlie Condon reacts after hitting a single during the first inning against N.C. State in Game 2 of the NCAA Super Regional at Foley Field, Sunday, June 9, 2024, in Athens, Ga. Georgia won 11-2 to force a deciding Game 3. (Jason Getz / AJC)
Photographer: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com
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Georgia third baseman Charlie Condon (24) tags out NC State’s Jacob Cozart (14) as he tries to advance to third base during the second inning game two of the NCAA Super Regional at Foley Field, Sunday, June 9, 2024, in Athens, Ga. (Jason Getz / AJC)
Photographer: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com
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Georgia’s Charlie Condon reacts after flying out during the eighth inning against NC State in game one of the NCAA Super Regional at Foley Field, Saturday, June 8, 2024, in Athens, Ga. Georgia lost 18-1. (Jason Getz / AJC)
Photographer: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com
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Georgia third baseman Charlie Condon throws to first during the eighth inning against Army in the NCAA division I baseball Athens Regional at Foley Field, Friday, May 31, 2024, in Athens, Ga. Georgia won 8-7. (Jason Getz / AJC)
Photographer: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com
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Georgia’s Charlie Condon rounds third base before he scores off of a single by Georgia’s Slate Alford (not pictured) during the third inning against Army in the NCAA division I baseball Athens Regional at Foley Field, Friday, May 31, 2024, in Athens, Ga. Georgia won 8-7. (Jason Getz / AJC)
Photographer: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com
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Georgia’s Charlie Condon hits a solo home run during the first inning against Army in the NCAA division I baseball Athens Regional at Foley Field, Friday, May 31, 2024, in Athens, Ga. Georgia won 8-7. (Jason Getz / AJC)
Photographer: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com
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Georgia’s Charlie Condon reacts after hitting a solo home run during the first inning against Army in the NCAA division I baseball Athens Regional at Foley Field, Friday, May 31, 2024, in Athens, Ga. Georgia won 8-7. (Jason Getz / AJC)
Photographer: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com
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Georgia third baseman Charlie Condon (24) watches a pregame video before their game against Vanderbilt at Foley Field, Friday, May 3, 2024, in Athens, Ga. (Jason Getz / AJC)
Photographer: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com
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Georgia third baseman Charlie Condon (24) hits a solo home run during the first inning of their game against Vanderbilt at Foley Field, Friday, May 3, 2024, in Athens, Ga. (Jason Getz / AJC)
Photographer: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com
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Georgia third baseman Charlie Condon (24) hits a solo home run during the first inning of their game against Vanderbilt at Foley Field, Friday, May 3, 2024, in Athens, Ga. (Jason Getz / AJC)
Photographer: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com
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Georgia third baseman Charlie Condon (24) reacts after hitting a solo home run during the first inning of their game against Vanderbilt at Foley Field, Friday, May 3, 2024, in Athens, Ga. (Jason Getz / AJC)
Photographer: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com
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Georgia third baseman Charlie Condon (24) reacts after hitting a solo home run during the first inning of their game against Vanderbilt at Foley Field, Friday, May 3, 2024, in Athens, Ga. (Jason Getz / AJC)
Photographer: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com
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Georgia third baseman Charlie Condon, facing, celebrates a run he scored in their dugout during the third inning of their game against Vanderbilt at Foley Field, Friday, May 3, 2024, in Athens, Ga. No. 19-ranked Georgia defeated No. 13 Vanderbilt 10-0. (Jason Getz / AJC)
Photographer: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com
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Georgia third baseman Charlie Condon (right) won the the Golden Spikes Award, which goes to the nation's best amateur baseball player. Condon already won the Dick Howser Award, presented to college baseball's best player. Take a look at photos of Condon on the field from the AJC's Jason Getz.
ATHENS — Charlie Condon has yet to play his first professional game, but already, the former Georgia star is in the Major League Baseball record books.
FORT WORTH, Texas – The tall, skinny kid from Marietta who struggled to get noticed coming out of the Walker School became the highest drafted baseball player in the history …