Two of the area's top baseball prospects heard their names called on the second day of the draft.
Renny Parthemore, a right-hander from New Cumberland, Cumberland County, was chosen in the 18th round by the Boston Red Sox on the same day as his graduation from Cedar Cliff High School. The New York Mets chose Donegal graduate and Kutztown University star pitcher Darin Gorski in the seventh round.
Parthemore, a Penn State recruit, likely fell due to concerns whether he'd sign a professional contract. He's supposed to attend Penn State, but told CBS 21 News Sports Director Jason Bristol on Wednesday he's leaning toward going pro.
"Its always been a dream of mine to go pro," Parthemore said from his home Wednesday. "Penn State's a great school, but I think I'm leaning toward the pros right now."
Past prospects like Parthemore have received signing bonuses normally given to players chosen much earlier in the draft, possibly $300,000 or more. He was rated the 150th-best prospect in the draft by Baseball America.
Gorski, who just completed his junior season at Kutztown University, was the 224th pick. He features a fastball that touches the low-90s and was named the top professional prospect in the 2008 Atlantic Collegiate League by BA and Perfect Game.
At his home in Mount Joy, Lancaster County, Gorski was surrounded by friends and family wearing New York Mets hats and home-made buttons. He was relieved his wait was over.
"Everyone's pretty excited," Gorski told CBS 21 News. "I was just sitting and watching some TV and I heard my name called. It was a pretty neat experience. Everyone was pretty excited for me."
Gorski will likely be assigned to the Mets' short-season A team in Brooklyn (New York-Penn League) after he signs.
Also on Wednesday, Mark Jones, a pitcher from Manheim Township High School, was picked by the Houston Astros in the 22nd round.
