Aug. 18, 2016
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - It has been a busy summer for the Nittany Lion baseball family. Three alums continue to pitch in the minors, while current members of the team participated in summer leagues, highlighted by Connor Klemann's all-star selection in the Cal Ripken League.
Alums in Minor League Baseball
Johnny Walter (Player Page)
Walter returned to affiliated baseball for the first time since 2014 after spending 2015 and the start of 2016 in Independent baseball, signing with the St. Louis Cardinals organization on June 7. He was initially assigned to High-A Palm Beach, but after posting a 3.10 ERA and 1-2 record in four starts, he was promoted to Double-A Springfield on July 5. Walter had a rough go in four starts and was sent back down to Palm Beach, but after two solid outings he was sent back up to Springfield on August 11. He pitched the very next day and, despite taking the loss, enjoyed one of his finest outings of the year, allowing two runs on two hits with eight strikeouts over eight innings.
From 2010-12 with the Nittany Lions, Walter posted a career 4.90 ERA and 9-16 record in 35 starts (11th all-time in program history) and 209 1/3 innings pitched.
Jim Haley (Player Page)
Haley holds a .288 average through 48 games with the Short Season-A Hudson Valley Renegades (Tampa Bay Rays), as well as 13 RBIs and eight stolen bases. He was a starter at third base in the New York-Penn League All-Star Game. Another return to Medlar Field at Lubrano Park this season is a possibility for Haley, as his Renegades and the State College Spikes are both in the thick of the playoff hunt. Hudson Valley currently leads the McNamara Division by a half game and the State College Spikes own the NYPL's best record.
Jack Anderson (Player Page)
Anderson was initially assigned to the Short Season-A Everett Aquasox after signing with the Seattle Mariners this summer, but after one appearance he was sent down to the Rookie-level Arizona League Mariners to get more work. He serves as the team's closer and has racked up five saves and a 3-0 record in 13 appearances with a 2.35 ERA. He did not allow an earned run in his first 10 outings and has only allowed earned runs on two occasions.
Student-Athlete Summer Ball Highlights
Connor Klemann - Baltimore Redbirds, Cal Ripken League
Rishing sophomore Connor Klemann was named to the Cal Ripken League All-Star team. He finished the year batting .275 with four home runs and tied for the team high of 24 RBIs. He helped the Redbirds reach the league championship final.
Willie Burger - Falmouth Commodores, Cape Cod League
Rising sophomore Willie Burger hit four home runs in 33 games to tie for eighth in the Cape, as his Commodores posted the best regular season record before coming up short in the championship series.
Taylor Lehman - Cotuit Kettleers, Cape Cod League
Rising junior Taylor Lehman pitched 31 innings over 10 appearances, including two starts. He struck out 17 and posted a 3.19 ERA and 3-1 record.
Christian Helsel - Battle Creek Bombers, Northwoods League
Rising senior Christian Helsel played in a team-high 69 games, as the Bombers were eliminated from the league playoffs Wednesday. He batted .247 for the season with five home runs, 36 RBIs and 12 stolen bases.
Nick Riotto - North Adams SteepleCats, New England League
Rising senior Nick Riotto batted .274 over 42 games, and also drove in 13 runs and stole 13 bases.
Jordan Bowersox - Winter Park Diamond Dawgs, Florida Collegiate Summer League
Rising sophomore Jordan Bowersox batted .299 over 27 games, and also drove in 12 runs and stole six bases.