Bulldog Pitcher Drafted by Royals
The Kansas City Royals selected Truman pitcher Christian Witt in the 36th round of Major League Baseball’s draft June 8.
Witt becomes the first Truman player drafted since the San Diego Padres took outfielder Tony Vandemore in the 25th round in 1999.
A native of Holt, Mo., and graduate of Kearney High School, Witt was an honorable mention all-MIAA pick following a season in which he posted a 2.70 ERA in 36 innings pitched. The hard throwing right hander’s first nine appearances were from the bullpen as he allowed just five earned runs in that span before becoming a mainstay in the starting rotation in mid April. Witt earned two MIAA Pitcher of the Week awards and finished the 2011 season with a 4-2 record and 43 strikeouts to just 10 walks.
“Having Christian be selected by a major league team is a dream for any ball player but to have his hometown team take a chance on him is really special,” said Dan Davis, head baseball coach. “Christian worked really hard for us as a Bulldog and I know he will take that strong work ethic to wherever the Royals assign him in their system. This is a great day for Truman Baseball and especially Christian and his family.”
The last Bulldog pitcher taken in MLB’s draft was Al Nipper in 1980.
Witt becomes the first Truman player drafted since the San Diego Padres took outfielder Tony Vandemore in the 25th round in 1999.
A native of Holt, Mo., and graduate of Kearney High School, Witt was an honorable mention all-MIAA pick following a season in which he posted a 2.70 ERA in 36 innings pitched. The hard throwing right hander’s first nine appearances were from the bullpen as he allowed just five earned runs in that span before becoming a mainstay in the starting rotation in mid April. Witt earned two MIAA Pitcher of the Week awards and finished the 2011 season with a 4-2 record and 43 strikeouts to just 10 walks.
“Having Christian be selected by a major league team is a dream for any ball player but to have his hometown team take a chance on him is really special,” said Dan Davis, head baseball coach. “Christian worked really hard for us as a Bulldog and I know he will take that strong work ethic to wherever the Royals assign him in their system. This is a great day for Truman Baseball and especially Christian and his family.”
The last Bulldog pitcher taken in MLB’s draft was Al Nipper in 1980.
