Ball State University Athletics
Garner Drafted In Second Round By Philadelphia Phillies
June 08, 2010 | Baseball
MUNCIE, Ind. - Ball State redshirt sophomore right-hander Perci Garner (Dover, Ohio/Dover) has been selected in the second round of the 2010 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft by the Philadelphia Phillies with the 77th overall pick.
Garner is the second Ball State player selected in the 2010 MLB draft joining teammate Kolbrin Vitek (20th overall) and becomes the 50th Cardinal drafted in program history. This marks the second time in program history that Ball State has had two players drafted in the first two rounds as BSU had two first round picks in 2002 (Bryan Bullington No. 1 overall & Luke Haggerty No. 32 overall).
"What a climb Perci has made and it is a testament to his athleticism," head coach Greg Beals said. "I am very proud of his development and the work he and coach Mike Stafford have put in. We are all excited for Perci and this opportunity."
Garner becomes the highest Ball State pitcher drafted since 2002 when Luke Haggerty was selected 32nd overall in the first round by the Chicago Cubs and the first BSU pitcher drafted since Ben Snyder was selected in 2006 by the San Francisco Giants in the fourth round.
Garner became the Cardinals' first starting pitcher to earn First Team All-Mid-American Conference honors since Snyder in 2005. He posted a 5-3 record on the season as the Cardinals' primary Friday starter and has a 4.62 ERA. He led the team with 83 strikeouts in 74.0 innings of work and made 11 starts on the year, all in league regular season or postseason play.
Garner posted a 4-2 record with a 3.86 ERA in MAC play this season, which ranks 10th in the league. He averages a MAC-high 9.18 strikeouts per nine innings in league action. He was named the MAC West Pitcher of the Week after striking out nine batters and tossing 6.0 shutout innings against Buffalo.
The 2010 MLB Draft will continue Tuesday with rounds two through 30. Rounds 30-50 will be chosen Wednesday beginning at noon.
####
