TWICE AS NICE: Second Northville player selected in MLB Draft
Northville’s Joey Broughton (fifth from right, back row) was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers.
Although he didn’t throw a single pitch during Northville’s first-ever state championship season that ended in dramatic fashion in mid-June, left-handed flame-thrower Joey Broughton showed enough stuff during his first three seasons — and during high-level summer competition — to draw the attention of the Milwaukee Brewers.
Broughton was selected by Milwaukee in the 13th round with the 395th pick in this week’s MLB Draft. An arm injury prevented the 6-foot-2, 197-pound standout from stepping on the mound this spring, but when he did return for the final third of the 2024, Broughton was one of the Mustangs’ best hitters.
Arguably, Broughton’s biggest hit was a two-run home run that broke a scoreless tie against Novi in a Division 1 district championship game on June 1.
“This feels awesome because I’ve worked super hard to be able to get back on the field and to contribute, even though it’s not pitching,” Broughton said following the Mustangs’ 3-1 triumph. “A lot of hard work paid off and I’m so happy to be back.”
Broughton joined teammate Dante’ Nori as Mustang draftees — a rare feat for any high school, let alone a public school that draws its players from within its district’s borders.
‘Long, athletic’ southpaw
Broughton’s skill set was described eloquently on BrewerFanatic.com.
“Broughton is a long, athletic prep left-hander from Northville in Michigan (the same high school as Dante Nori). (Broughton) has good arm speed and there’s athleticism and projection in the delivery and frame.
“Broughton throws a fastball that sits 92-94 mph with plenty of carry that plays well up in the zone and is a metrically appealing pitch to pro teams. Broughton has a changeup he throws in the 80s with plenty of depth and fade, which has a chance to be a plus pitch. Additionally, there’s a curveball that has 1-7 type shape.”
Not surprisingly, Broughton has options heading into the fall. He has already signed a National Letter of Intent to study at and play baseball for the University of Pittsburgh if he doesn’t agree to a professional contract with the Brewers.
Broughton is the son of Kevin and Shawna Broughton of Northville.
Ed Wright can be reached at 734-664-4657 or edwright@socialhousenews.com.
