By: Aury St. Germain
KENNESAW, Ga. – Former standout Owl pitcher
Richard Lovelady will be making his major league debut, the Kansas City Royals organization announced today (April 9)
A 10th round pick in the 2016 MLB June amateur draft, Lovelady climbed the Royals minor league system quickly, reaching AAA after completing just two minor league seasons.
His professional career began with the Idaho Falls Chukars, where he pitched 14.2 innings and gave up just three earned runs. After stops in the Arizona and Texas Leagues, he become a staple on the Wilmington Blue Rock's pitching staff in 2017. In Wilmington, he displayed his unbeatable command by striking out 41 batters while walking just four.
The Hinesville, Ga., native played the entire 2018 season for the Omaha Stormchasers and appeared in 46 games. He sported a 2.47 ERA and punched out 71 batters during his 2018 campaign.
Lovelady pitched in spring training this season for the Royals and made seven appearances. During his time in the Cactus League, he threw 8.2 innings and fanned 11 opponents.
He began 2019 pitching for the Stormchasers and made 2 appearances while giving up just a single hit.
He competed for the Owls during the 2016 season and held opponents to an impressive .186 batting average. He finished the season ranked third in the NCAA in appearences (37) and struck out 52 batters.
Lovelady is the eighth player in Kennesaw State history to be featured on an MLB 25-man roster and is one of 68 players to be selected in the MLB draft or sign a major league contract.
