Courtesy of Eric Brookhouse, Saginaw Valley State University Sports Information Director
UNIVERSITY CENTER - Saginaw Valley State University right handed starting pitcher Michael Ellenbest (Medina, Ohio / Medina HS) was selected with the 732nd overall pick in the 24th round by the Toronto Blue Jays on Saturday (June 11) in the 2016 MLB Draft.
Ellenbest is the first Cardinal player to be drafted since Mike Saunders, who was selected by the Cincinnati Reds in the 2012 MLB Draft in the 24th round (No. 742) after his junior season at SVSU.
Mike posted a 10-7 overall record in his two seasons at Saginaw Valley, notching a 3.13 ERA with 107 strikeouts in 118.0 innings of work. He tossed four complete games and recorded one save in 20 appearances, with 19 of those being starts. His 3.13 ERA ranks him fourth all-time at SVSU.
His redshirt freshman season saw him be named the GLIAC Freshman Pitcher of the Year after striking-out 44 batters in just 37.0 innings in conference. He had a 4-2 GLIAC record and an ERA of 0.97 with a pair of complete games. Mike finished that season with four consecutive victories and 26.0 straight scoreless innings.
Ellenbest kept that streak going into 2016 all the way to 35.1 innings of work without allowing a run. He was named to the All-GLIAC First Team after his sophomore campaign after ranking fourth in the league with an ERA of 3.52 and 69.0 innings pitched. He posted 53 strikeouts as well while going 5-4 overall.
"Mike Ellenbest is the perfect example of what hard work and determination can do for you," said SVSU head coach Chris Ebright. "Mike came to SVSU throwing 84-86 mph and has done everything our coaching staff has asked and with his dedication is now throwing 91-93 mph. He helped us coaches in the development of our younger guys as well in a huge leadershp role. Mike will be missed, both on and off the field. I wish Mike all the best in his baseball career, and in life. He is a great teammate and the Blue Jays got a great kid!"
