Revisiting Robby Snelling's football, baseball prep career ahead of MLB debut

Robby Snelling is set to make his Major League debut for the Miami Marlins on Friday, May 8.

The left-handed starting pitcher is ranked as the No. 32 overall prospect in baseball, according to MLB Pipeline, and the No. 2 prospect in the Marlins' farm system. Snelling, 22, was traded to Miami on July 30, 2024, in a package with three other prospects for left-handed reliever Tanner Scott.

Snelling has rebuilt his value as part of the Marlins' organization, posting a 1.86 ERA (second lowest in the International League) with 44 strikeouts (tied for the second most) in six starts this season for the Marlins' Triple-A affiliate, Jacksonville.

However, before Snelling became a baseball prospect, he was also a standout linebacker for his high school, Reno McQueen High, in Reno, Nevada.

Here's a look back at his high school career, which almost led to a commitment as a two-sport star in a major conference:

Robby Snelling, baseball star

McQueen's Robby Snelling is seen pitching against Spanish Springs during their game on April 26, 2022.

Snelling's talent as a baseball player was always evident, excelling as a two-way star in the sport. As a senior, he earned Gatorade Nevada Baseball Player of the Year honors in 2022, after finishing with an 8-0 record record and a 0.56 ERA.

He set the single-season Nevada state strikeouts record with 146. He also struck out 20 hitters in a seven-inning game, giving him the state single-game record. At the plate, he hit for a .450 batting average and showed off his at Coors Field in Denver. He also hit 94 mph on the radar on the mound.