INDIANA, Pa. – IUP junior left-handed pitcher Tyler Adams was selected by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 27th round of the 2019 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft Wednesday afternoon. He was the 810th overall pick.
 
Adams becomes the ninth player in program history to be selected in the MLB Draft, the first since Ryan Uhl was picked by the Seattle Mariners in the seventh round of the 2015 Draft.
 
Adams is the fourth player from a Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) school selected in this year's draft, joining Mercyhurst's Tyler Garbee (19th round) and Matt Minnick (23rd), and Millersville's Tyler Yankosky (19th). Those three draftees are also pitchers.
 
"Today is a very special day for Tyler, and I couldn't be more happy for such a great person," said IUP head coach Anthony Rebyanski.

"Tyler emulates the type of student-athlete that we as a staff strive to have and recruit to IUP. He is a true team player, hard-working both on the field and in the classroom, 100% dedicated to our program in all facets, and is a tremendous individual.

"Tyler's work ethic, dedication and determination to be the best has helped bring him to this moment. We couldn't be more proud of him and are excited for the opportunities that await him at the professional level. Along with myself, the IUP baseball program wishes Tyler the very best and we are eager to follow his success throughout this next chapter of his baseball career."
 
Adams finished the 2019 season with a 3-2 record on the mound with nine appearances, including seven starts. He fanned 38 batters in 27.1 innings, averaging 12.5 strikeouts per nine innings of work.
 
Adams had a season-high eight strikeouts in 5.0 innings of work in a 3-2 win over Pitt-Johnstown. He also struck out six batters in just 2.0 innings in a win over Gannon and fanned seven in 4.2 innings in a win at Slippery Rock.

"I am beyond blessed to be selected by such a great organization," said Adams.

"This has been a dream of mine since I was a young boy. I knew that if I believed in myself and had family and friends who supported me, good things would happen. My father, who passed away last October, was my biggest supporter. He pushed me to become the best baseball player and person that I could be on and off the field."

In 20 career games, Adams averaged 14.6 strikeouts per nine, fanning 58 in 35.2 innings.
 
At his scout day last fall, Adams saw his fastball clock between 92-96 MPH. He also boasts a slider (81-83) and a change up (78-80).

"This is a great goal to accomplish but the hard work doesn't stop here," said Adams. "I want to thank all of my coaches who have guided me and all the great players I had the opportunity to play with over the years that helped get me to this day. I want to thank the Phillies organization for this opportunity, this is truly a dream come true."
  
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