Holy Ghost Prep's Nolan Jones is selected by the Indians with 55th pick

The longer-than-anticipated wait finally ended for Holy Ghost Prep's Nolan Jones, surrounded by family and friends at a Langhorne restaurant, at 11:08 p.m. Thursday.

A steadily rising shortstop with natural hitting power and arm strength, Jones was selected in the second round of Major League Baseball's amateur draft by the Cleveland Indians. He was the No. 55 overall pick.

Many publications had projected Jones to go in the first round.

"I was confident it was eventually going to happen," the 18-year-old said. "Cleveland is a great organization, so I'm happy. It's all good."

Jones said he "can't wait to see what happens" when it comes to his choice of immediately turning pro or playing college ball at Virginia.

Jones turned heads with his size, glove, bat, and throws across the diamond in showcase events across the country last summer.

"Before that, I was never able to measure my abilities against the top players in the country," the 6-foot-4, 220-pounder said. "It was an eye-opening experience."

Shortly after it was announced on the MLB Network that he had been taken by the Indians, Jones wrapped his older brother, Peyton, in a long embrace.

"I'm just so happy for him," Peyton Jones said. "I can't contain my excitement. He deserves everything that comes his way."

Peyton Jones is a star netminder in hockey and a Penn State recruit. The 20-year-old, after playing for two seasons in the United States Hockey League, may hear his name called when the NHL draft takes place in a few weeks.

This season, Nolan Jones batted .636 with 26 runs, 24 RBIs, five home runs, five doubles, and two triples while helping the Firebirds go 14-6 overall, claim the Bicentennial Athletic League Independence Division title, and advance to the PIAA District 1 Class 3A semifinals.

Jones played the last two summers for the Philly Bandits, an elite squad that showcases amateur talent.

"He's extremely talented," Bandits coach Jon Cross said Thursday. "He's got a great work ethic, a powerful arm, great hands, unlimited power potential, and a very good eye for the strike zone."

Holy Ghost first-year head coach Vince Rossomando said statistics don't tell the entire story when it comes to Jones.

"He's just a phenomenal person," Rossomando said. "He's a great leader, a terrific teammate, an intense competitor. He's very passionate about the game."

Jones' adviser is Casey Close of Excel Sports Management. The MLB deadline for signing a drafted player is July 15.

"I have no doubt he'll be successful at the next level if he chooses to go that route," Rossomando said.