By: by Jason Hanes
KENNESAW, Ga. - A trio of Kennesaw State baseball players were selected on the second day of the Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft, as Ryan Rodebaugh, Tyler Stubblefield, and Josh Whitaker were each selected by MLB teams. Including four signees that were selected, a total of seven players with ties to the program were taken on day two.
"We're definitely excited for Tyler, Josh, and Ryan," said a proud Kennesaw State head baseball coach Mike Sansing. "They've been great for our program. They're all great people. We're happy for them and their families. Tyler is a senior of course, but we would hope that Josh and Ryan would come back. Of course, it's a great opportunity for them and their families. We are very excited for these guys and their accomplishments."
Rodebaugh was selected by the Texas Rangers in the 15th round with the 466th overall pick. The righty was Kennesaw State's Friday night starter all season, finishing the season with a 4.67 earned run average over 79 innings and 13 starts.
"Ryan just willed himself into this draft," Coach Sansing said. He was determined, from off-season workouts until the final weekend to get this opportunity. There was no doubt in anyone's mind that he was going to do whatever it took to get this opportunity and this chance."
Seven rounds later, Stubblefield was taken with the 664th overall pick by the San Diego Padres. For the departing senior, the selection was an acknowledgment that he made the right choice in coming back to play his senior year. In 2009, the senior was selected by the Atlanta Braves in the 33rd round. The senior finished his career with over 200 hits, including 48 doubles.
"Our program appreciates Tyler coming back for his senior year," said Coach Sansing. It looks like he's got a good opportunity by waiting until after his senior year to leave."
In the 25th round, Josh Whitaker was selected by the Oakland Athletics. Whitaker finished the regular season second in the nation in outfield assists with 11. In his junior campaign, Whitaker had 71 hits and a .317 batting average, ranking him second on the squad.
"Josh has several Major League qualities with his arm and his power," said Coach Sansing. "That's a rare commodity from an outfield standpoint to run, hit, hit for power, and throw. He's got all the tools needed."
Several Kennesaw State recruits also went in the draft on day two. Niko Goodrum (Fayette County HS) was taken with the 71st overall pick (2nd round) by the Minnesota Twins. Tyler Austin (Heritage HS) was taken 51 picks ahead of Rodebaugh with the 415th overall pick by the New York Yankees. Travis Dean (Worcester Academy) was taken 30 picks after Austin, also by the Yankees. Rounding out the list was Myles Jaye (Starr's Mill HS), who went with pick number 516 to the Toronto Blue Jays.
"All four of those guys are very high quality players, and both they and their families should be very proud," said Coach Sansing. "I can see why any of them would jump at the opportunity to play professional baseball, but we hope that they will make the decision to come play for us, hone their skills more and better their education before taking that leap into the minor leagues."
Last year, nine players either on the KSU roster or signees with the Owls were selected in the draft. Chad Jenkins, Kyle Heckathorn, Kenny Faulk, Jace Whitmer, Justin Edwards and Stubblefield were all on the team last year, while recruits Zack Wheeler, Telvin Nash, and Catlan Kendrick were all selected as well. Kendrick opted to play for Kennesaw State.
