Now that two members of the 2009 WVU baseball team have signed with professional organizations, The Mountaineers currently have 12 former players in pro baseball
Vince Belnome hit the ground running with his first professional team–the Eugene Emeralds of the short season Northwest League. Drafted by the Podres, Belnome had three hits in his first eight at bats including a double and a homer.
Catcher Tobias Streich was selected in the fifth round by the Minnesota Twins and has signed with that organization.
Tyler Kuhn was drafted as an infielder in 2008 by the White Sox. After a move to the outfield, Kuhn was promoted to advanced "A" ball where he is currently playing at Winston Salem in the Carolina League. Kuhn hit .299 with 10 doubles, three homers, 27 RBI and 19 steals while playing at Kannapolis in the South Atlantic League.
Kuhn’s teammate at Winston Salem is pitcher Levi Maxwell from Shinnston. Maxwell, who pitched at WVU from 2004 to 2007, recently threw a seven inning no hitter against Wilmington. Maxwell had been struggling for wins this season after going 15-5 last year with Kannapolis.
Fairmont native David Carpenter was a catcher with the Mountaineers. The Cardinals organization has moved him to pitcher where he is 4-2 with four saves and 39 strikeouts in 35 innings for Quad Cities in the Single-A Midwest League.
The only former Mountaineer still playing that has reached the majors is pitcher Dustin Nippert. Nippert has pitched in the big leagues with Arizona and Texas. The 6-8, 225 pound righthander is on a rehab assignment with AA Frisco in the Rangers organization..
Speedy outfielder Adam White has 13 stolen bases in 50 games with the Lake County Captains of the South Atlantic League. White is hitting .267 playing in the Indians organization.
Left handed pitcher Kenny Durst is at the advanced "A" level with Modesto in the Rockies organization. Durst is 2.5 with a 5.40 ERA.
Pitcher Dan Leatherman is 4-0 with 1 save pitching at advanced "A" with Potomac in the Nationals organization.
Pitcher Josh Whitlock is 1-1 in nine relief appearances with Boise in the Cubs organization.
Two former Mountaineers are playing with in Independent minor leagues. Infielder Grant Psomas with Washington and pitcher Zach Cline with Lincoln.