Hendricken graduate Gillheeney drafted by Mariners

James Gillheeney, a member of Bishop Hendricken's Class of 2006, has become the highest native Rhode Islander selected in this year's MLB Draft. The Seattle Mariners took Gillheeney, a 6-foot-1, 21-year-old left-handed pitcher at North Carolina State, in the eighth round of the draft, with the 233rd overall pick.

Gillheeney, a Johnston native, was a second-team All-ACC and preseason All-America selection. Formerly the closer at N.C. State, he became a starter this year, and went 6-4 with a 3.86 E.R.A., 75 strikeouts and 34 walks. He struck out 10 in a 3-0 shutout victory over top-ranked North Carolina on May 8.

Here's a video of Gillheeney, from MLB.com.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 1:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)