TicketsPair of Bearcats Drafted By MLB Clubs
Haske, Kay chosen by Tigers, Athletics in first-year player draft
Contact: Shawn Sell
6/8/2005
Mark Haske was drafted in the 23rd round of Major League Baseball's First-Year Player Draft by the Detroit Tigers |
CINCINNATI, Ohio---A pair of former Bearcats were selected by Major League Baseball clubs during day two of the MLB First-Year Player Draft which concluded on Wednesday. Senior shortstop Mark Haske was selected in the 23rd round by the Detroit Tigers while senior right-hander Josh Kay went to the Oakland Athletics in the 31st round. The two become the first UC players since Chris Hamblen was selected in the 2002 draft.
Haske joined the Bearcats this year after transferring from the University of Alabama. He played every inning of all 55 games at shortstop and ranked second on the squad with a .314 batting average. In addition to leading the team in runs scored, he was also second in hits, stolen bases and multi-hit games. The Tigers used the 690th overall selection to draft Haske, who hails from Saginaw, Mich.
Kay was dominant as the Bearcats? closer in 2005, recording nine saves. In a team-high 30 appearances, Kay allowed opponents a batting average of just .185, while turning in a 2.05 ERA. He also struck out 59 hitters in just 44 innings of work. Kay?s save total tied him for second on UC?s single season list. The Athletics tabbed Kay with the 941st overall pick of the draft.
The draftees join Jon Niese, a UC signee who was drafted by the New York Mets in the seventh round on Tuesday.