Truman State University pitcher Christian Witt was selected in the 36th round by the Kansas City Royals in Major League Baseball’s Draft on Wednesday. Witt becomes the first Truman player since outfielder Tony Vandemore was taken in the 25th round in 1999 by the San Diego Padres.
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. He earned two MIAA Pitcher of the Week awards and finished the 2011 season with a 4-2 record with 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 Coach Dan Davis. “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.
(From Truman State University)
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