Connor Scott walks thru the tunnel on to the field at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland and hears screams from his friends and family.

This the first time the former Plant Grad has been back this close to home since March.

"It's going to be good to see everybody, beams the 19 year old.

Diane and Mike Scott are throwing a little welcome home for Connor, they have gathered thirty friends and family to watch their son play a double header against the Lakeland Flying Tigers.

The former Plant High School star is in Lakeland with the visiting Jupiter Hammerheads of the Florida State league.

Connor committed to the University of Florida, but instead of packing his bags for college, his talents took him down a different road after he was chosen with the 13th overall pick by the Florida marlins in the 2018 MLB draft..

His dad, Mike recalls what happened after that, "He had to grow up quick, doesn’t get the college thing, so it was a tough decision but I think he’s handled it fantastic".

Connor was put on the fast track by the Marlins organization. Since he was drafted last June, he has played in more then 160 baseball games at four different levels.

"It was tough but it’s a baseball players dream to get drafted and to be able to get drafted  where I was, I was really fortunate and made it a little easier of a decision".

Connor knew as the number pick of a franchise there would be added pressure to prove the team got the pick right.

He bats lead off for the Hammerheads and plays center field

"There’s a lot of ups and downs, failure happens you fail seven out of ten times you’re a hall of famer, I never really thought about it, I just play my game and whatever they want to do, they do".

For at least one night, the fast track slows down just enough for Connor to feel like he’s back at Plant High School again, playing in front of his family and friends.

"It’s just absolutely amazing says his dad, we still have to pinch ourselves because it really is special but he worked hard and we’re proud of him".

Tonight, it’s not about the outcome, it’s a celebration of a dream come true in front of the people who have been beside you your entire life.

Connor went up into the stands to take pictures with all of the friends and family who came to see him play, but what he really can't wait to do, is go home and see his Golden Retriever, Maverick, who has been waiting sixth months to give him a greeting of his own.