Gators Add All-American Infielder for 2024
- Matthew Quartararo
- Jun 22, 2023
- 2 min read
The third time is the charm for Kevin O'Sullivan and the Gators baseball team who add yet another important piece to the 2024 roster.
Colby Shelton, who played for Alabama this past season, announced his intention to transfer to the University of Florida via Twitter on Thursday.
Shelton is the third incoming transfer the Gators have grabbed to date, joining pitcher Kelly Austin and catcher Tanner Garrison.
The former Alabama infielder spent most of his time at third base this season, starting 59 of the team's 64 games.
The freshman put together an incredibly impressive campaign this past season which earned him multiple freshman All-American honors in addition to a spot on the SEC All-Freshman squad.
Shelton set an Alabama program record for a season, smashing 25. He was the only member of the Crimson Tide to hit over 20 home runs and did so while also hitting .300 with 51 RBIs. He also led the Tide with a .729 slugging percentage.
The Lithia (Fl.) native started the season by reaching base in his first 12 games and later put together an impressive 10-game hitting streak.
In terms of where Shelton may fit defensively for the Gators next season, there will be some gaps to fill in the infield. Starting shortstop Josh Rivera will likely be lost to the MLB Draft meanwhile third baseman Colby Halter is draft eligible but is yet to clarify his plans for the future.
Shelton can play both third base and shortstop, so it's safe to say that O'Sullivan should have no issues finding him a spot on the field. It's clear that the All-American will earn a spot in the lineup for his prowess at the plate alone.
Sources have indicated that Shelton had been likely to join the Gators for some time now and this the public announcement of his commitment was delayed from when he actually made his decision.
While the addition of Shelton certainly brings even more excitement for the 2024 season, the Gators have some unfinished business to tend to right now in Omaha.
Gator Nation is very fortunate to have the high caliber coaches that we have in O’Sullivan and Napier, and we (fans and sports writers) ought to show them our appreciation for the great job that they are doing!
It is sad, but true, that the world of college sports has changed so much that coaches cannot be as accommodating to us as coaches used to be.
Coach Napier and Coach O’Sullivan both still do things the right way, and they win at the highest level of competion.
I’ve been a Gator for more than seventy year, and I am very proud to have these two men represent The University of Florida, and all Gator fans should be too!
This baseball program will continue riding the momentum of a dream season, a better than just maybe College World Series title, and the demonstrated success of our head coach. When the Florida Ballpark aka Condron Family Ballpark opened our already excellent program stepped up even more. Welcome to another Colby!