With the highest draft pick in Kennesaw State history, Max Pentecost, inking his deal with the Toronto Blue Jays earlier this week, all four Major League Baseball First Year Player Draft selections from 2014 have signed their professional baseball contracts.
Pentecost, Bo Way, Justin McCalvin and James Connell each reached deals with their respective teams following the historic 2014 Super Regional campaign for the Owls.
The No. 11 overall pick, Pentecost, earned his first professional hit in just his second outing, going 5-for-5 with two doubles, two RBIs and two runs scored. The catcher, who earned All-American status from every major organization and brought home the illustrious Johnny Bench Award, is now hitting .455 through three games in the Rookie Gulf Coast League.
Way, who was selected in the seventh round by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, has been on a tear in the Rookie Pioneer League, playing centerfield for the Orem Owlz. Through the last 10 outings, Way is hitting .415 and is currently enjoying a 9-game hit streak. On the short season, Way is hitting .342 with six doubles, two triples and a pair of homers with 21 RBIs, 17 runs scored and five stolen bases.
Now with the Hudson Valley Renegades in the Class-A Short Season New York-Penn League, McCalvin quickly earned a promotion from rookie ball, where he made just four appearances in the Appalachian League. In his four outings, the righty allowed just three hits and no runs with five strikeouts, putting together a batting average against of just .176 with two saves and a win.
In his one inning with his new club, McCalvin has tossed one inning of work, not allowing a hit.
Connell, who departed KSU as one of the top mid-relievers in school history, has yet to make an appearance due to injury after being drafted in the 26th round by the Angels.
The Sports Inquirer 
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