Former Lions Living A Dream

MARS HILL, N.C. – The Mars Hill baseball team and head coach Aaron Rembert would like to take time to recognize three former Lions players that have gone on to have careers in baseball, post-college. Patrick Riehl was selected in the 26^th round of the 2016 Major League Baseball Draft by the Cincinnati Reds, while Evan Rogers signed a free agent contract with the Philadelphia Phillies following a stellar 2016 season in a Lions uniform. Patrick Anderson, a 1995 graduate of then Mars Hill College, has established a successful coaching career within the Washington Nationals organization.

 "All three former Lions have had tremendous success this summer evident by all particpating on winning teams", said Rembert.  It is very exciting for our program to have these guys living every ball player's dream of being in professional baseball.  The best thing about them is they have truly earned the position they are in and have worked extremely hard to get where they are at this point.  Our program could not be any happier for these three gentlemen", he added.

Anderson just finished his fourth season as a manager in the Nationals organization, including the past three seasons with the Hagerstown Suns (Low A Affiliate of Nationals).  He has a managerial record of 287-189 and led the Suns into the playoffs this season with an 83-57 mark. 

Coach Rembert stated, "Patrick has an outstanding track record in the minor leagues.  His record speaks for itself and he does an excellent job of getting his guys ready for the next level of professional baseball.  Every time he is in town playing against the Asheville Tourists he takes time to talk with our guys or our coaching staff.  He is a really humble guy and our guys really look up to him as he obviously had similar experiences as them when he was at MHU.  Guys understand if they work hard they can get into professional ball from here."

Patrick Riehl just finished his first year of pitching in professional baseball for the Billings Mustangs, which is the Short-Season League for the Cincinnati Reds.  He ended up with 5-2 record with 2 saves for a team that was 41-34 and made it to the playoffs.  He was second in appearances on the team with 22 and pitched 38.1 innings with a 3.76 ERA and 36 K's.  He is playing in the Instructional League in Arizona this fall which boasts some of the top prospects within the Reds organization. 

"Pat had an excellent first season in pro ball and has been rewarded with a chance to play in the Fall Instructional League in Arizona", said Rembert.  "He stayed healthy this summer and these are the types of numbers he will continue to put up as he works his way up in the organization.  I am not surprised with his success but am very happy for him.  We can't wait for him to visit with our team this fall when he gets back home."

Evan Rogers, coming off one of the most prolific offensive seasons in MHU history, just finished his first year playing in the infield in the Philadelphia Phillies organization.  He started this summer with the rookie league team but jumped up to the Short-Season Williamsport Crosscutters after a few weeks.  He played third base, shortstop, and second base for the team that went 39-36.  During the summer across both teams he batted a combined .242 with seven doubles and three homeruns. 

"Evan is a guy that entered pro ball like he did college; not very well known but it didn't take him long to win over some coaches in the organization", Rembert said. "He works extremely hard on all aspects of his game and we look forward to him continuing to make strides within the organization.  He is a great athlete and can play anywhere you put him.  He makes everyone on the team better.  Evan will be back soon to see us and we can't wait."