Baseball: Belnome, Streich Sign Professional Deals
June 18, 2009 10:40 AM | General
By Steve Stone for MSNsportsNET.com
June 18, 2009
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Former West Virginia University baseball players Tobias Streich and Vince Belnome have officially signed Major League Baseball contracts.
Both players, who played vital roles in helping WVU finish with the nation’s third-highest team batting average, are scheduled to compete at the Minor League level for their respective organizations.
“We’re extremely proud of Tobias and Vince,” coach Greg Van Zant says. “They both did a tremendous job for us and helped us win a lot of games. They represented our program well both on the field and in the classroom, and we wish them the very best.”
Streich, a fifth-round draft pick by the Minnesota Twins, is expected to begin his professional career at the Rookie level with the Elizabethton Twins of the Appalachian League. The Johnsonburg, Pa., native is currently participating at the team’s mini camp in Fort Myers, Fla., and would be scheduled to play in his first game on June 23.
The 2009 all-BIG EAST first team catcher is WVU’s highest draft pick since former pitcher Chris Enochs was picked 11th overall in the first round of the 1997 Amateur Draft by the Oakland Athletics. Streich was also drafted by the A’s coming out of Johnsonburg High in the 26th round in 2007.
Streich finished his sophomore campaign batting .322 with six home runs and 57 RBIs. He also compiled 16 doubles, 66 hits, 38 runs scored and 100 total bases. The Johnny Bench Award watch list member threw out nearly 40 percent (33-of-86) of players caught stealing in his two-year collegiate career.
Belnome became WVU’s second draftee in 2009 when he was chosen in the 28th round by the San Diego Padres. The Coatesville, Pa., native is scheduled to play at the Class A Short-Season level for the Eugene Emeralds of the Northwest League. The former Mountaineer standout is participating in team workouts and will be positioned at second or third base for the Emeralds, whom begin their season on June 20.
A two-time all-BIG EAST performer, Belnome capped his illustrious three-year career at WVU by breaking the school’s single-season RBI total with 84. He became WVU’s 12th player to break the 200 career-hit mark, accomplishing the feat prior to finishing his junior year on May 9 against Cincinnati. His career numbers at WVU include a .388 average with 14 home runs and 174 RBIs, tying former Mountaineer Stan Posluszny for second place on the school’s career list.
Belnome's third and final season as a Mountaineer was his most impressive. He batted .418 with nine home runs, 20 doubles, 89 hits, 66 runs scored and 138 total bases. He led the BIG EAST and is 13th nationally with a .519 on-base percentage, and also was second in the BIG EAST with 42 walks in 2009.
