Orioles in Professional Baseball
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Three Former Oriole Players Chosen in Amateur Draft
The Staten Island Orioles are extremely proud to announce that 3 of our former players were chosen this year in the 2014 MLB draft.
The first player chosen was Kevin Krause, former Staten Island Oriole, Tottenville HS and Stony Brook University standout. Kevin was selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 9th round.
Kevin is a prime example of hard work and dedication paying off. Watching Kevin throughout the years mature into a well rounded young man and player was truly a pleasure.
Next up was Mike Sullivan, chosen in the 29th round by the Cincinnati Reds. The hard throwing lefty was the anchor of our 2011 and 2012 teams as well as a big game pitcher for Tottenville HS and the 2013 Gloucester County College National Championship team.
Last, but not least, Scott DeJong was picked up in the 32nd round by the Los Angeles Dodgers. Scott was a member of numerous 2010 tournament teams that were a combined effort with Langan Baseball.
We wish these fine young men the best of luck and continued success at the next level. They have provided all the boys that play for us a fine example of what it takes to advance in the game of baseball and ultimately life.
We look forward to following their careers. From all of us in the Staten Island Oriole's "family", CONGRATULATIONS and best of luck in the future!!!
Kevin Krause - 9th Round - Pittsburgh Pirates
Mike Sullivan - 29th Round - Cincinnati Reds
Scott DeJong - 32nd Round - Los Angeles Dodgers
Staten Island Oriole Kyle Kennett Signs to Play Professional Baseball in Europe
ATTNANG-PUCHHEIM, AUSTRIA—Less than two weeks before the baseball draft, former Staten Island Oriole and Rider University graduate Kyle Kennett has signed a professional contract.
He won’t be traveling to a MLB minor league team, however, but to Central Europe to play in Austria.
Recently named the Rider Most Valuable Pitcher for 2014, Kennett (Spring Lake, NJ/St. Rose) graduated 10 days ago as a member of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference All-Academic team, and will now begin his professional baseball career.
“I started looking into playing in Europe back in March,” Kennett said. “I wanted to keep playing ball after graduation and I knew the (MLB) draft was a long-shot. A friend of mine is playing in Germany right now and loves it.”
Kennett signed to play with the Attnang Athletics of the Austrian Baseball League. He will be the only American on the team. The Athletics play in the top division in Austria.
“They wanted me to come over in April when their season started but obviously I had to wait until graduation and we were done playing,” Kennett said. “The Athletics had a couple of injuries and just contacted me. I fly out Wednesday night (May 28).”
Kennett will also be playing in the Czech Republic June 24-28 in a tournament held in Prague on a team made up of all international players who are in Europe.
Kennett is expected to play through September and into October, when the playoffs end. “I don’t speak any German so I guess I’m going to have to learn a little bit,” Kennett said. “There are three of us on the team who are not Austrian; me, a Canadian and an Australian, but all the players speak English.”
Kennett began the 2014 season as Rider’s third starting pitcher and was the team’s number one pitcher over the final six weeks of the season. He was the MAAC Pitcher of the Week the first week of April.
In his Rider career, the Broncs won nine of Kennett’s first 10 starts.
In 46 appearances, including 22 starts, Kennett won seven Rider games and saved one. He pitched 145 innings in his four seasons.
The Orioles organization wants to congratulate Kyle and wishes him the best of luck and continued success, both on and off the field!!!
