[Kutztown Press Release] TWO FORMER GOLDEN BEARS SIGN TO PLAY PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL

[Josh Leiboff]

June 5, 2007

 

TWO FORMER GOLDEN BEARS SIGN TO PLAY PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL

 

KUTZTOWN, PA - Two members of Kutztown University's record-breaking 2007 baseball team have signed to play professionally.

 

                Pitcher Jason Mills (sr. Hatfield/North Penn HS) signed with the Baltimore Orioles organization, which had drafted him in the 48th round of last year's Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft.   Pitcher Matt Keller (sr. Fleetwood/Fleetwood HS) signed with the Slippery Rock Sliders of the independent Frontier League.

 

                Mills was 7-0 with a 1.62 earned-run average this season.  He appeared in nine games, with four complete games, 46 strikeouts and 20 walks in 61.0 innings.  This season, Mills was named second-team Division II All-America by Daktronics, as well as the Daktronics North Atlantic Region Pitcher of the Year and first-team all-region.  A first-team All-Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) East selection, he was also named to two all-region second teams, by the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) and the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA).  



                Mills transferred to Kutztown prior to the 2007 season after playing at George Mason University.   The Orioles retained his rights through this spring, and Mills elected to sign with Baltimore after KU's season ended.

 

                "I've been waiting for this day, to sign with a pro baseball team, since I was a little kid," Mills said.  "Transferring to Kutztown was one of the best decisions I've made.  We had a lot of fun this year and had a great season.  Looking back, I couldn't have asked for more.  Now I am ready for this next step.  I'll be working hard so I can get a shot at the ultimate dream."

 

                Mills will report to the Orioles training facility in Sarasota, FL, on Sunday.  From there, Mills will be assigned to one the Orioles Rookie league teams or the short-season Aberdeen Iron Birds.  

 

                "I can't thank Jason Mills enough for what he did for Kutztown baseball in 2007," KU head coach Chris Blum said.  "He has command of three plus pitches and has the tools to keep getting better.  I can't wait to go watch him play for the Orioles organization."

 

                Keller was 6-2 with a save and a 3.62 ERA in 12 games this year.  He struck out 61 and walked 19 in 58.2 innings.  A 2005 ABCA third-team All-America pick, Keller returned this spring from an elbow injury that sidelined him for the 2006 season.  He completed his career as KU's career record holder in pitching appearances (75), third in wins (26) and second in saves (16).  In 2005, Keller was named the ABCA North Atlantic Region Pitcher of the Year, first-team ABCA and All-Region, and All-PSAC East second team.  

 

                "To continue on to the professional ranks, you have to be good, tough, and  lucky," Blum said.  "Keller is all three - he is very good and threw his best game at Slippery Rock when the Sliders were watching.  I would not  be surprised if a major league organization grabs him soon."

 

                Keller made his professional debut on Saturday, June 2.  He started and pitched three scoreless innings against the Washington (PA) Wild Things, before the game was suspended due to rain.  The Sliders play their home games at Jack Critchfield Park, which doubles as the home field for the Slippery Rock University baseball team.  Keller has experience at there, having come one out short of a no-hitter against Shippensburg in the PSAC tournament in May.

 

                "I'm really excited to have the opportunity to play pro baseball," Keller said.  "Playing at Critchfield Park is nice, since I have some experience and have had success there.  I'm looking forward to having a solid summer and continuing my baseball career."

 

                Kutztown set a school and PSAC record with 49 wins this season.  KU finished 49-7 overall, 19-1 in the PSAC East.  The Golden Bears won the PSAC East regular-season title and took the North Atlantic Regional crown, finishing eighth in the nation at the Division II College World Series.  

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Josh Leiboff
Kutztown University Sports Information
Phone: (610) 683-4182
Fax: (610) 683-4676
Email: leiboff at kutztown.edu
Website: http://www.kubears.com
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