Cubs draft the son of a Charleston church shooting victim

by Tony Crumpton - Senior Editor - 2017-06-15 09:33:17.0

The Chicago Cubs selected Charleston Southern outfielder Chris Singleton in the 19th round (#585 overall) of the 2017 MLB Draft on Wednesday.

However, there is more to this story.

Singleton is the son of a Charleston shooting victim named Sharonda Coleman-Singleton at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in downtown Charleston, S.C. back in 2015.

“First and foremost, he’s a talented player on the field,” Cubs management said on Wednesday. “We had him evaluated really as almost like a top-10-round-caliber talent. He’s very athletic, a plus runner, plus defender, base-stealer."

Cubs know the unusual circumstances around his life but really think he can become a great baseball player.

“We certainly understand the backstory there. But what I want to make sure doesn’t get lost is that this guy’s a really good baseball player. He’s talented. He’s athletic. There’s upside there.”

CubsHQ would like to congratulate Singleton on being drafted and applaud him for being a positive role model despite his horrific family tragedy.

Check out this video for more info on Singleton.

"Love is always stronger than hate."

Chris Singleton (@csingleton__2), the son of Charleston shooting victim, was drafted by the @Cubs. pic.twitter.com/kVKaTs2IMT
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) June 15, 2017

A LOT of GOD. & a little me. ?? #CantLetMomsDown #RIPDad https://t.co/xC5bSQbDk2
— Chris Singleton (@csingleton__2) June 15, 2017

Missing you every second of everyday. I'm the person that I am because of you. Happy Mothers Day Ma, I LOVE YOU. #CantLetMomsDown pic.twitter.com/0PCBGH2Rhp
— Chris Singleton (@csingleton__2) May 14, 2017