From FAU Baseball Stadium to loanDepot park, Nolan Schanuel keeps raking

[Kevin Barral]

Like Angels teammate Zach Neto, Nolan Schanuel made his return to South Florida for the first time as a big leaguer. Schanuel reflects on his journey to reach this point.

MIAMI, FL—On the way to sweeping their series against the Miami Marlins this week, the Los Angeles Angels got high-quality at-bats from several of their players. That includes Boca Raton product Nolan Schanuel, who hit a solo home run and reached base safely six total times.

Born in Boca Raton, Florida, Schanuel attended Park Vista Community High School and stayed local for his college education, going to Florida Atlantic University. During his three seasons as an Owl, he slashed .386/.516/.698/1.215 with 46 home runs and 176 RBIs. In his 810 plate appearances, the first baseman struck out 57 times, including only 14 K's in his draft-eligible season.

"It's awesome," said Schanuel in advance of Wednesday's series finale. "A lot of friends and family got to watch me play, got to watch the team play these past two days and it's been awesome. Played here my whole life, so kind of used to the humidity and everything that comes with it. It's been awesome to be able to see everybody and kind of get the Florida experience again."

Schanuel had about 50 friends and family members make the drive south to watch him play at loanDepot park.

"Right when I crossed home plate, I gave them a little acknowledgement and seeing their reaction after the game, my mom and dad, they're excited. It was awesome. That's why we play the game. We do it for ourselves, but also for our family and it's awesome to see that they're just as into it as we are."

Schanuel's former coach at FAU, John McCormack, texted him after Monday's Angels win, saying "still beating down on Miami." Schanuel also noted that him alma mater defeated the University of Miami a night later.

Schanuel entered pro baseball as the 11th pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, one pick after the Marlins selected pitcher Noble Meyer. Schanuel and Wyatt Langford of the Texas Rangers are the only first-rounders from that draft class who are already competing at the big league level.

"The draft was crazy," said Schanuel. "Felt like I I talked to almost everybody and fortunately it didn't go that way. I'm very happy to be where I am. Thankfully the Angels took a shot on me. I'm nothing but blessed. Just gotta thank God for the opportunity he's given me."

Although the 22-year-old Schanuel is not yet a finished product, he's been an on-base machine ever since his original call-up. He has begun his MLB career with a 35-game on-base streak (.400 OBP overall), the league's second-longest active streak trailing only Juan Soto.

View full article