For anyone who’s failed to notice, there’s some pretty big things going on locally in the world of baseball.
On Saturday, Pitt-Bradford’s Aaron Cressley was selected in the Major League Baseball draft in the 26th round by the San Diego Padres.
About 48 hours later at the high school level, Elk County Catholic’s Brandon Schlimm put the finishing touches on a complete game shutout, a 1-0 win over Bishop McCort that sent the unbeaten Crusaders to the state championship game Friday. ECC becomes the second team in as many years (Johnsonburg) from Elk County to advance to State College, and hope to have the same outcome as the Rams.
While Cressley and the Crusaders have dominated the headlines, they aren’t the only ones making noise on the diamond.
There are four players will local connections currently playing in either the minor or major leagues (five when Cressley makes his pro debut) and on the college level, still more playing in collegiate summer wooden bat leagues. Here’s a look at how they are faring.
Joe Beimel (Kersey/St. Marys Area HS) — After not pitching in the majors since 2011 with the Pirates, Beimel has impressively bounced back with Mariners this season.
In 21 games (19 1/3 innings) pitched, the 37 year-old southpaw has posted a 1.86 ERA and picked up his first win of the season Monday, coming on in relief of starter Erasmo Ramirez in a 3-0 victory over David Price and the Tampa Bay Rays.
2014 marks Beimel’s 12th season in the bigs and he has a career ERA of 4.14.
Josh Kinney (Port Allegany) — Kinney has been to the top of the baseball mountain, winning a World Series ring with the Cardinals in 2006.
The former Oswayo Valley (Port Allegany didn’t have it’s own baseball program at the time) standout has pitched in 93 big league games in his career and is currently with the Pirates Class AAA affiliate, the Indianapolis Indians.
For Indy this season, the 35-year old has posted a 1-1 record and 2.45 ERA in 19 games.
Seth Streich (Johnsonburg) — After starring at Johnsonburg High and Ohio University, the Oakland A’s made Streich their 6th round pick in 2012, and he hasn’t disappointed.
In 13 starts for High Class A Stockton, Streich has posted a 3.21 ERA in 70 innings pitched, averaging more than a strikeout per inning (he has 74 punchouts on the season).
After putting up solid numbers in low Class A Midland in 2013, coupled with his performance this season, it’s not out of the question that Streich could be in Double-A before the end of the 2014 campaign.
David Lyon (Emporium/Cameron County H.S.) — Lyon helped lead Kent State to its first ever college World Series appearance in 2012, and is currently with High Class A Myrtle Beach in the Texas Rangers organization.
Lyon, who is lauded for his defensive abilities and handling of a pitching staff, is currently hitting .223, but it’s his slugging percentage that’s impressive at .479, with eight doubles and four home runs in just 94 at-bats so far this season.
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Collegiate Summer Leagues
Sam Kysor (Port Allegany) — Kysor just completed his freshman season at the University of South Carolina Upstate and is currently playing locally for the Olean Oilers of the New York Collegiate Baseball League. He is currently hitting .250 in 20 at bats with one RBI.
Pitt-Bradford players
Joe Chittester — (New Market Rebels/Virginia Valley League) — 17 ABs, .353 batting average, 3 RBIs
Kody Johnston (Waynesboro Generals/Virginia Valley League) — 0-for-9
Chris Kemp (Wellsville Nitros/New York Collegiate Baseball League) — 12 ABs, .250 average, 2 RBIs; 0-1, 10.12 ERA, 5 1/3 innings pitched)
Zach Bican (Elmira Pioneers/Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League) — 0-1, 8 hits, 5 earned runs, 2 strikeouts
