Rocky Mount, NC — Former North Carolina Wesleyan baseball standout Danny Thompson made program history on Tuesday, becoming the first Battling Bishop selected in the Major League Baseball Draft since 2007. Thompson was chosen in the 8th round with the 232nd overall pick by the Toronto Blue Jays.

A native of Pollocksville, North Carolina, Thompson began his collegiate career at N.C. Wesleyan and quickly established himself as one of the most dominant arms in the USA South. As a freshman in 2021, he was named the USA South Rookie Pitcher of the Year and earned three USA South Rookie Pitcher of the Week honors. That season, he compiled a 5-1 record with two saves, striking out 60 batters in just 41 innings while holding opponents to a .171 average.

Thompson followed up his stellar rookie campaign by rewriting the NCWU record books in 2022, striking out a program-record 17 batters in a single game at Averett on April 2. He finished that season with an impressive 5-2 record, two complete games, and 80 strikeouts in 61.1 innings of work—earning First Team All-USA South East Division honors in the process.

In total, Thompson appeared in 44 games for the Bishops from 2021 to 2023, tallying 14 wins, 197 strikeouts, and a career 4.20 ERA over 154.1 innings. He limited opponents to just a .206 batting average during his NCWU tenure.

After three seasons in Rocky Mount, Thompson transferred to UNC Greensboro, where he continued to shine at the Division I level. In 2024, he helped guide the Spartans to a Southern Conference Regular Season Championship, notching four saves and 51 strikeouts across 38 innings. His final collegiate season in 2025 was his best yet—Thompson led UNCG in appearances (23), strikeouts (87), ERA (3.79), and WHIP (1.26), earning First Team All-SoCon honors and CSC Academic All-District recognition.

With his selection by the Blue Jays, Thompson's journey from N.C. Wesleyan to the professional ranks stands as a testament to his relentless work ethic and undeniable talent.

The entire North Carolina Wesleyan University community congratulates Danny on this tremendous achievement and wishes him continued success as he begins his professional career with the Toronto Blue Jays organization.