ICYMI: Multiple Penn State baseball standouts selected in 2023 MLB Draft

The 2023 MLB Draft occurred this week from July 9 to 11, with 20 rounds of players selected to the thirty organizations of professional baseball. Among them were two former Penn State baseball standouts. One was starting shortstop Jay Harry, who put together three strong seasons in Happy Valley. The other was pitcher Daniel Ouderkirk, who has also been a significant contributor for the Nittany Lions. These selections marked the fourth time since 2016 that Penn State has had multiple draft picks in the same year.

Multiple Penn State baseball standouts taken in the 2023 MLB Draft

The first of the picks was shortstop Jay Harry, who has been nothing but productive for Penn State during his career. He served as the starting shortstop since arriving in Happy Valley and put in three seasons for the Nittany Lions. Starting 145 of 146 games played, Harry has batted .304 with 169 hits. Many of these hits were doubles, as he recorded 33 two-baggers in his career.  

On Monday, Harry was selected in the 6th round by the Minnesota Twins organization. He was the first college player from Pennsylvania to be drafted this year.

Let's go @JayHarry18!!! Congrats to the newest member of the @Twins organization!#WeAre pic.twitter.com/unESpZf1r5

— Penn State Baseball (@PennStateBASE) July 10, 2023

The second Penn State player taken in the draft was pitcher Daniel Ouderkirk. A grad student, he put in stellar numbers in his graduate season at Penn State, with 57 strikeouts in 39.2 innings. He also held opponents to a .240 batting average. Before coming to Penn State, he pitched two seasons at West Virginia. On Tuesday, the Seattle Mariners organization drafted Ouderkirk in the 18th round.

Big Dan is heading to Seattle!!! Congrats to @d_ouderkirk, selected in the 18th round by the @Mariners!#WeAre pic.twitter.com/mCxOSsygWU

— Penn State Baseball (@PennStateBASE) July 11, 2023

With new coach Mike Gambino taking on the helm of the Penn State baseball program and a record of producing MLB draft picks, more players from Happy Valley are sure to continue on to the professional level.

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