By Travis McKinney, Stillwater News Press
Stillwater, Oklahoma, has long been known for its football roots, but over the past decade, a new legacy has taken hold—a baseball dynasty, built not just on statistics and wins, but on family, determination, and the shared dream of two brothers. On June 8, 2025, that legacy added another chapter when the Los Angeles Angels selected Ethan Holliday, an 18-year-old third baseman, with the 18th overall pick in the first round of the MLB Pro Draft.
A left-handed hitter with a projectable frame at 6-foot-3 and 185 pounds, Ethan carved out his own reputation at Stillwater High School, the same school that saw his older brother Jackson emerge as a star three years prior. Ethan’s senior season was nothing short of dominant. In 26 games, he slashed .496/.557 with 56 hits, 48 runs scored, and 28 extra-base hits. He walked 16 times and struck out only 9 times—showcasing a rare combination of power, patience, and plate discipline that made him one of the top high school bats in the country.
Only three high school players in the nation collected more hits in 2025. Ethan’s WAR ranked second nationally. “He’s a complete hitter,” said Stillwater head coach Jeff Bennett. “He has the instincts you can’t teach. He’s humble, he’s hungry, and he plays with a fire that lifts his teammates.”
Ethan’s journey was shaped not only by talent but by bloodlines. He is the son of former big league outfielder Matt Holliday and the younger brother of Jackson Holliday, currently one of the Angels’ top position prospects. Jackson was drafted by the same organization in the second round of the 2022 MLB Pro Draft and has since blossomed into a cornerstone of the franchise’s future.
The brothers were teammates for just one high school season—Jackson’s senior year and Ethan’s freshman debut. “That year was special,” Jackson recalled. “I remember Ethan being this fearless 15-year-old who didn’t just keep up—he shined. We pushed each other every day. We still do.”
Their high school assistant coach, Dave Larrabee, remembers the dynamic duo well. “Jackson was the leader, Ethan the sparkplug. It was electric. You knew you were watching something rare.”
For the Holliday family, the moment Ethan’s name was called was emotional. Matt Holliday, now beaming with pride and holding back tears, said, “I’ve been around this game a long time, but nothing compares to seeing your sons get to live their dreams—especially with the same organization. I know how hard they’ve worked. This isn’t about talent alone—it’s about heart, and both of them have it in spades.”
The Angels, led by GM Matt Eisenberg, saw something special in Ethan. “He’s mature beyond his years. His approach at the plate, his field awareness—those are things you rarely see in an 18-year-old,” said Eisenberg. “We knew after seeing his progression and talking with our scouts, especially Scott Rolen, that he was the right choice.”
Rolen, himself a former big leaguer and head scout for the Angels, sees Ethan as a cornerstone. “He’s got the makeup, the pedigree, and the work ethic. He’s not just Jackson’s little brother—he’s a top-tier talent who’s just getting started.”
Manager Darin Erstad, another MLB veteran, emphasized the intangible qualities. “Both Holliday boys bring grit. They’re the type of players who dive for everything, who sprint on routine outs, who care about the name on the front and the back of the jersey. That’s what we want in this clubhouse.”
Ethan, ever poised, offered a glimpse into his mindset. “This means everything to me. To follow Jackson, to wear the same jersey, to try to make an impact like he’s doing—it’s surreal. I’ve looked up to him my whole life. We both grew up chasing baseballs in the backyard. Now, we’re chasing dreams together.”
His high school teammate and best friend, Riley Timmons, summed it up best: “Ethan’s got it all, man. But what sets him apart is he never acts like he does. He makes everyone better. That’s why he’s going to thrive.”
The Holliday brothers’ story is one of legacy, yes—but also of promise, unity, and a future built on more than just baseball. With Ethan now joining Jackson in the Angels’ system, that future just got a lot brighter. Happy Hollidays, indeed.