For the first time since 2012, the Penn State Nittany Lions baseball team had a name called in the MLB Draft — this year, they had two. Both third baseman Jim Haley and closer Jack Anderson heard their names called Saturday afternoon in the 2016 MLB First-Year Player Draft.
With their selections, Haley and Anderson became the first two Nittany Lions drafted under head coach Rob Cooper, who took over the program prior to the 2014 season.
Haley, a junior, was selected by the Tampa Bay Rays in the 19th round. The third basemen had a break-out season in 2016, hitting for a .315 average while scoring 45 runs and 69 hits for the Nittany Lions. The right-handed hitter’s 69 hits and 18 walks helped bring in 27 RBIs this spring.
As a junior, Haley has the option to return to school in the fall for his senior season or to sign with the Rays. Should Haley decide to come back to Penn State, he’d be looking to improve on a career .297 average, as well as 28 doubles, seven triples, two home runs, 64 RBIs and 97 runs. Haley has started in 143 of the 146 games he has appeared in as a Nittany Lion.
Anderson, a senior, was selected in the by the Seattle Mariners in the 23rd round. The 687th pick had a record-setting season for Penn State, serving as the team’s closer in 2016. A side-arm throwing right-handed pitcher, Anderson set the single-season record for saves with 13, which goes along with program records in saves (25) and appearances (98). Anderson was named to the All-Big Ten third team following a senior campaign that featured a 2.14 ERA in 54 and two-thirds innings of actions. In the Nittany Lions uniform for 165 and two-thirds innings of action over the course of four seasons, Anderson never allowed a home run.
“We are extremely proud of Jim Haley and Jack Anderson,” Cooper said in a statement released by the university. “Every young player dreams of playing professional baseball, and these two have the opportunity to follow their dreams. We will miss Jack and support Jim in whichever decision he makes, and we are so excited for both of them.”
With their selections, Haley and Anderson bring the total of Penn State baseball players taken in the first-year player draft up to 55. Amateur players have until July 15th to sign with their respective teams.
Image credit: Joseph DiDomenico/Daily Collegian
