DETROIT, Mich. — When the Detroit Tigers visited Yankee Stadium just over a week ago, the trip was like any other for the Lombard family. Tigers bench coach George Lombard Sr. was followed around by his son Jacob, who took batting practice. The family — Jacob, Judy and George Sr. (Yankees prospect George Lombard Jr. was supposed to join, but was in Tampa rehabbing) — had a nice dinner together.That’s when it hit George Sr. — it was the last time Jacob, an 18-year-old and No. 14 pick in the 2026 MLB Draft, would come to the field with him. Suddenly, he found himself caught up in memories of when Jacob was waist-high and following him around various ballparks.Like at Dodger Stadium, when George Sr. would tell him: “Jacob, you know what day it is. (Clayton) Kershaw’s pitching.” And Jacob responded: “I know, Papi. If I see him, I walk the other way.”Or when George Sr. would say, “If you start crying at the field, you’re not going to be able to go with me the next day.” So Jacob would bite back tears if he was hit by a ball.“It’s sad in a way,” George Jr. said about re-living those memories, “but also, just letting him fly and letting him grow up and be himself.”That journey will likely begin with the Marlins. The son of a major-leaguer turned long-time coach and brother of the Yankees’ top prospect, Jacob has perhaps one of the best pedigrees in this draft class. He has trailed his father through minor-league and major-league ballparks. Now, the field could be his office, too.Judy, George Jr. and Jacob Lombard (Courtesy of the Lombard family)Jacob was ranked 20th overall in The Athletic’s top 100 ranking ahead of the draft. The Athletic’s lead draft analyst Keith Law said Jacob has some of the best pure tools in this draft class, looking like a long-term shortstop — though he has struggled to hit better velocity when he’s seen it.