June 6, 2010
Draft Central | Heath's Bio Page | Louisville Slugger All-American | GoPSUTV Video Feature
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Following one of the best seasons in school history, Penn State junior catcher Ben Heath (Huntersville, N.C.) continues to receive serious attention heading into the Major League Baseball First-Year Draft which begins with the first round on Monday at 7 p.m. Heath, who has gained incredible momentum throughout his record-breaking season, was invited to more than 10 teams' pre-draft workouts and has a chance to become Penn State's highest selection since Nate Bump in 1998.
Following the first and supplemental rounds on Monday, rounds two through 30 are on Tuesday at 12 p.m. while 31 through 50 run on Wednesday, also at noon.
Heath was recently invited to pre-draft workouts by the Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, Colorado Rockies, Houston Astros, Kansas City Royals, New York Mets, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, Seattle Mariners, Toronto Blue Jays and Washington Nationals, among others.
"I don't know what's going to happen," said Heath to the Centre Daily Times last week. "You're nervous, but you're excited. It's definitely a fun experience and one not a lot of people get to go through."
Since the season started, few players have gained as much momentum as Heath, who has propelled up numerous teams' draft boards. A Dick Howser Trophy semifinalist awarded to the nation's top player, Heath could become the first Penn State position player selected in the top 10 rounds since Greg Vogel in 1976.
Heath's season culminated with hitting his Penn State record-breaking 18th home run of the season off Minnesota ace Seth Rosin at the Metrodome, the same Rosin who allowed only three hits and one run in a 3-1 win over No. 7 Cal State Fullerton in this weekend's NCAA Regional.
Also receiving attention from national publications and websites, Perfect Game USA predicts Heath to go anywhere between rounds four and 10.
Along with Heath, two other Nittany Lions who should garner interest are senior Mike Wanamaker (Upper Nyack, N.Y.) and junior Heath Johnson (Alamogordo, N.M). Wanamaker was previously selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 25th round out of high school. Incoming players who could be chosen include Pennsylvania natives Kyle Redinger (Lebanon, Pa.) and Austin Urban (Windber, Pa.).
All high school graduates along with college juniors and seniors are eligible for the draft. Should an underclassmen be selected, they then have the option to sign professionally or continue to play in college.
Follow the entire three-day draft live on mlb.com. And be sure to check back to GoPSUsports.com for complete news and notes on Penn State selections.
Baseball camp information is now available. Call the Sports Camp Office at (814) 865-0561 or email them at SportCampInfo@outreach.psu.edu for more information.
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