Ohio University baseball fans were treated once again by the play of outfielder Matt Stiffler this past season. Many speculated that he would be drafted and would leave OU to play in the minors because of his exceptional season.
The Major League Baseball Draft was held earlier this month. Overall there were 50 rounds and 1,453 players selected to the 30 franchises.
Unfortunately, Stiffler's name was not called.
I thought he was going to be drafted for sure, said Ohio pitcher Matt Schlarb. I have no idea why he didn't get drafted.
As a junior for the Bobcats this past season
Stiffler batted for an average of .359 including 12 three-hit games. In addition he finished with 45 walks giving him an on-base percentage of .477
good enough for second in the Mid-American Conference.
I guess I just need more experience, said Stiffler
commenting on how he could improve his chances of being drafted. He will gain more experience this summer playing with the Southern Ohio Copperheads for a third straight season.
Because of a family ordeal
Stiffler has played only five games this season
but has already resumed his dominance in the league. Although it is still early in the season
Stiffler has accumulated a .400 batting average
33 points higher than the Copperheads' single season batting record established by Stiffler a season ago.
As a member of the Copperheads
Stiffler is once again turning heads
including the team's new head coach Mike Deegan.
He is clearly one of the top players in the league, Deegan said. He can run, hitG? I mean, this kid can do it all.
Although fans wanted to see Stiffler drafted
