Three Panthers taken in draft

Although it came later than sports analysts predicted, P.J. Hiser and Nick Evangelista learned… Although it came later than sports analysts predicted, P.J. Hiser and Nick Evangelista learned Tuesday that they would each have a chance to live out their childhood dreams.

After being drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays a year ago, Evangelista was drafted once again this year, but this time it was by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 26th round of Major League Baseball’s First-Year Player Draft. Evangelista, a Pennsylvania native, will have a chance to play Big League ball in his home state.

Evangelista had another successful year on the mound for the Panthers. He posted an overall regular season record of 8-2, which included two shutouts. He also led the team in strikeouts with 66, earning him Co-Big East Pitcher of the Year honors.

The Cleveland Indians drafted Hiser in the 29th round. He’s coming off a year in which he shattered the school record for home runs in a season by hitting 21 long balls. Hiser was a first-team all-conference selection and was named Big East Player of the Year.

Hiser was the total package for the Panthers. He could hit for power, run the bases, play the field and even pitch. He went 5-1 on the mound this year, striking out 49 batters and maintaining a 4.40 earned run average.

Hiser also became the first player in team history to earn First Team All-America honors. Each year, Collegiate Baseball newspaper chooses a 17-man first team. Hiser was the only Big East Conference player selected for the first team.

Evangelista and Hiser are part of a Pitt baseball team that is coming off of one of the most successful seasons in recent memory. The duo led the team to its first appearance at the Big East Championships since 2000.

Brant Colamarino, who was taken in the seventh round by the Oakland Athletics, and Eric Ackerman, selected in the 16th round by the Kansas City Royals, were both drafted in 2002 and were the last Pitt players to be drafted into Major League Baseball.