Tag: Lonnie White Jr.

Penn State’s Micah Shrewsberry to toss first pitch at Pirates-Phillies game

Micah Shrewsberry may want to get some advice from James Franklin on throwing out a first pitch

Penn State men’s basketball head coach Micah Shrewsberry is ushering in a brand new era of Penn State basketball this year. But before he coaches his first game for the Nittany Lions, he’ll be asked to toss out a ceremonial first pitch for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The Pirates have invited Shrewsberry to throw out the first pitch prior to their home game against the in-state rival Philadelphia Phillies on July 31. The Pirates will have a THON night at the ballpark to help raise funds for Penn State’s largest student-run fundraiser. Shrewsberry will also do a meet and greet with fans attending the game.

Penn State football head coach James Franklin may be able to lend Shrewsberry some advice on throwing out a first pitch. Franklin threw out the first pitch at a New York Yankees game in 2015, the summer after Franklin coached Penn State to a victory in the Pinstripe Bowl against Boston College.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=im4F-_Oi3ZU

As if that was not enough, later that same summer, Franklin tossed out the first pitch before a Phillies game in Philadelphia.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fq9cUfb_ifo

Speaking of Franklin, he is awaiting a decision by incoming wide receiver Lonnie White Jr., who was drafted by the Pirates in the recent MLB draft. White Jr. must decide whether to follow through on his commitment to play football for James Franklin or begin his path to the big leagues by joining the Pirates farm system as soon as possible.

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MLB draft: Three Penn State baseball players drafted on Day 3

What MLB franchises drafted baseball players from Penn State?

Major League Baseball held its amateur draft this week, and a handful of players with Penn State ties were fortunate to have their name selected by one of the franchises in search of developing some new talent in the farm system.

Penn State Class of 2021 wide receiver Lonnie White Jr., a multi-sport star athlete in high school, was selected with a comp pick on Monday by the Pittsburgh Pirates. But three additional Nittany Lions were selected on day three of the draft on Tuesday.

Penn State third baseman Justin Williams was selected by the Houston Astros in the 17th round.

 

“Justin is a hard-working player with good power and arm strength,” Penn State baseball manager Rob Cooper said in a released statement. “I believe Justin is just now beginning to realize his offensive potential. We are thrilled for Justin to realize his dream of a professional opportunity.”

Ten picks later, Penn State right-hander Kyle Virbitsky was selected by the Oakland Athletics.

 

“In my entire coaching career, I haven’t been around many individuals who love competition as much as Kyle,” Cooper had to say about one of his pitchers. “His progression from his first year to now is a testament to his dedication and work ethic. Congratulations to Kyle on being drafted and getting the opportunity to start his professional career.”

In the 18th round, the New York Yankees selected Penn State right-handed pitcher Bailey Dees.

“Since the day Bailey arrived in Happy Valley, he has worked extremely hard to improve his craft,” Cooper said about Dees. “I believe he is only beginning to scratch the surface of his talent and we are very excited to see him get an opportunity to sign a professional contract.”

As for White, an official decision on his future remains unconfirmed, although it should be expected White will begin his journey to professional baseball with the Pittsburgh Pirates and leave behind his scholarship to play football for Penn State.

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Penn State football recruit awaits MLB draft fate

Penn State wide receiver in Class of 2021 faces big decision as MLB draft continues

As the Major League Baseball season hits its midway point for the all-star break, teams began drafting for their future Sunday night. The first round of the MLB Draft took place Sunday, and it will continue on Monday. One Penn State multi-sport recruit could be faced with a big decision in the coming days.

Lonnie White Jr., a member of Penn State’s Class of 2021, is expected to be drafted as early as the second round of the MLB draft. Once a team drafts him, White will have to make a decision on whether to leave college football behind before he gets started or begin his journey through professional baseball.

This is a decision that is difficult to make and may be influenced heavily by money, as many decisions are. Depending on how much financial security an MLB team is able to offer as a signing bonus, White’s decision could be incredibly easy or extremely challenging.

White previously decommitted from a scholarship offer to play baseball for Clemson, leading him to sign a scholarship offer to play football for Penn State. White is expected to play baseball for the Nittany Lions as well, which would make him a real home run signee for Penn State. White is among the top-rated high school players in Pennsylvania and would be a great addition to Penn State’s wide receiver unit (he was rated a four-star recruit) and as an outfielder for Penn State’s baseball prorgam.

Penn State head coach James Franklin wished White well through this MLB draft process. While Franklin publicly wishes the absolute best for whatever White decides, you just know he’d love to be able to keep White in a football uniform for the next few years given his speed and potential as a receiver.

But we shall wait to see what exactly White’s situation will be. Whatever the case, it will be an exciting time for White.

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