If you ever attended a home game for the Diamond Heels this year, you no doubt are familiar with the opening strains of “Circle of Life” from The Lion King. Kane Kepley chose that unique opening to be his walk-up music, and as the season wore on, fans got into the act by raising their arms in the air and holding up various items—including actual babies—much to the delight of announcers who had no idea what was going to happen.
It was even a sight to behold in Durham—as the Tar Heels marched toward
winning the ACC Championship—as the ballpark made sure to play every player’s song as if they were playing at home. It was perhaps one of the most unique walk-ups, and added a huge layer of fun to this version of the Diamond Heels.
Now Kepley is off to the Cubs organization.
Carolina blue ➡️ Cubbie blue pic.twitter.com/t7Ul9DoQn9
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) July 14, 2025
Sunday night in the second round of the MLB Draft, Kepley became the second Tar Heel taken as he was selected with the 56th overall pick by the Chicago Cubs. He joins the organization that currently has perhaps the most prominent offensive pro Heel right now—Michael Busch. Busch went into the All-Star Break hitting .290 with 19 Homers and 59 RBI, and has become a huge part of a Cubs team that is currently leading the National League Central.
Kepley has a long way to go to get to that point, but going in the second round means that the Cubs believe in his talent and his chance to make an impact in the majors.
Kepley spent his first two years at Liberty, where he drew Carolina’s attention by hitting .332 for the Flames in 2024. He transferred to Carolina this season and finished the season hitting .291, and had 45 stolen bases in the leadoff spot. He was a huge key to the offense as the Tar Heels looked to manufacture runs instead of overwhelm with power due to the changeover of players from last season to this one. He was an amazing .918 in stolen basses attempted, and he had more steals than nearly 60 D1 programs—and three ACC schools.
It’s that speed that the Cubs are hoping will translate to the pros, where he will look to continue his improvement should he sign. Kepley just finished up his junior season, so he could opt to return to Carolina and try to get into the first round next season. However, a second round slot is usually tough to pass up, so expect Kepley to sign with Chicago.
More from tarheelblog.com:
- Joel Berry will return to North Carolina for his senior year
- Kevin Knox recruiting: Which school will land the five-star wing?
- Embracing the new era of the NBA Draft process
- Theo Pinson will enter the NBA Draft; won’t hire an agent
- UNC football recruiting: Tre Turner names North Carolina in his top 10 schools
- UNC, the NCAA, and the AFAM scandal: For people with a life
