05/03/2026
Congrats to Zach McKinstry for being recognized as the 2025 NABF Graduate of the Year!
Jack Butler
NABF Public Relations
The 2025 NABF Graduate of the Year is
Detroit Tigers utility man Zach McKinstry.
McKinstry played in the Edward “Red”
Carrington League with the Fort Wayne
Jackers of the Fort Wayne Baseball Federa-
tion, an NABF Franchise. McKinstry stated
that playing in the NABF gave him the op-
portunity to play with his brother, patrol-
ling the middle infield spots. Additionally,
playing in the NABF helped him prepare
for professional baseball. McKinstry stated
that “wood bats, different velos, variabil-
ity of pitchers you’d see that day,” and the
“different arm slots” prepared him for the
next level.
McKinstry’s amateur career began at
Northside High School in Fort Wayne,
Indiana, from 2011 to 2014. According
to Central Michigan University’s athletic
website, McKinstry played three years of
varsity baseball, compiling 82 runs scored,
111 hits, 25 doubles, six triples, three home
runs, 39 RBIs and 46 stolen bases. From
2014 to 2016, McKinstry went to Central
Michigan and played for the Chippewas.
The Fort Wayne native played 118 games
over two seasons, batting .321 with 74 runs
scored, 148 hits, 14 doubles, five triples, 45
RBIs and 20 stolen bases.
After his sophomore season, McKinstry
was selected in the 33rd round by the Los
Angeles Dodgers in the 2016 MLB June
Amateur Draft. His professional career be-
gan in Rookie Ball with the AZL Dodgers,
and he played four games.
