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Mount Vernon Nazarene University |
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MVNU's Rowe Selected by Royals in Major League Draftwritten by Dave Parsons, Sports Information Director
MOUNT VERNON, Ohio - Adam Rowe, a senior left-handed pitcher from
Mount Vernon Nazarene University, became the thirteenth Cougar
player to be selected in the Major League Baseball amateur draft
since 1983 when he was chosen in the 20th round by the Kansas City
Royals on Tuesday.
After not going in the first 18 rounds of the draft that were held on Monday, Rowe, a native of Wooster, Ohio, received calls from several teams that night letting him know that they still had him on their draft boards. Then, on Tuesday morning, Rowe was awakened by a phone call from Jason Bryans, the Royals’ area scout. Bryans let Rowe know that the Royals were planning on selecting him in the early rounds on Tuesday.
So, along with his parents, Rick and Diane, Rowe logged on to the Major League Baseball website to listen to the draft unfold. As the 20th round continued, Rowe heard the words that he had been waiting to hear, "Kansas City selects Adam Rowe of Mount Vernon Nazarene University.”
"At first, it did not really hit me that they said my name,” said Rowe. "But then, my mom was screaming and we realized that it had finally happened. It is great to have the opportunity to continue to play baseball at the professional level. I can’t wait to find out where they are sending me, and I’m ready to get started.”
Rowe wrapped up a stellar four-year career at Mount Vernon Nazarene University by posting a 10-3 record this season for the Cougars. In 101 innings of work, he struck out a career-high 107 batters and issued just 35 walks. He also had a 3.39 ERA and opposing batters hit just .236 against him.
For his efforts this year, Rowe was named the American Mideast Conference, National Christian College Athletic Association, and NAIA Region IX Pitcher of the Year. He was also an NAIA and NCCAA Honorable Mention All-American, and he led MVNU to the AMC South Division title, the NAIA Region IX Tournament title, and a berth in the NAIA World Series where the Cougars finished tied for fifth place with a 41-19 overall record.
For his career, Rowe posted a 33-11 overall record with a 3.53 ERA and 321 strikeouts in 328 2/3 innings. He ranks first in school history in career innings pitched, second in career strikeouts, and third in career wins.
"I am really happy for Adam,” said MVNU head coach Keith Veale. "This is the culmination of four years of hard work and determination to get this type of opportunity. I know that he was disappointed that it did not happen last year, but he came back and worked even harder.
"This is good recognition for our program as well,” Veale added. "It is nice to be connected to professional baseball and to have people realize the quality of players that we have come through our program. It shows potential recruits the possibilities that they might have if they come into our program and work hard.”
Rowe adds his name to a list of 16 other former MVNU baseball players who have been drafted or signed free agent contracts to play professional baseball starting in 1983 when Tim Belcher was taken by the Minnesota Twins with the number one overall pick of the draft. Belcher went on to have a 14-year major league career. Two other former Cougars are still active in the minor leagues - Marty McLeary in Triple-A with the San Diego Padres and Dave Byard in Single-A with the New York Mets.