The last Hoosier to decide his professional future is also the only one returning to Bloomington next season.
Future junior pitcher Jake Kelzer announced on Twitter Tuesday afternoon he is choosing to return to IU despite being drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 14th round of the Major League Baseball Draft on June 10.
It was an absolute honor being drafted by the Cubs this year,” Kelzer tweeted. “However, I can't wait to suit up for the 2016 season with the Hoosiers #IUBASE."
Kelzer was the first of six Hoosiers drafted this year, and one of three who had the option of returning to IU or sign a professional contract.
Junior pitchers Scott Effross and Christian Morris elected to sign with the Cubs and Yankees, respectively.
Effross was drafted a round after Kelzer and said the two exchanged text messages congratulating each other on both being drafted by the Cubs a round apart. Effross said he made no attempt to try and get Kelzer to sign with the Cubs.
He said it was an important decision Kelzer needed to make on his own.
In Kelzer’s sophomore season he made 17 appearances for the Hoosiers, accumulating a 3.95 ERA and going 4-5. Eleven of the 17 appearances were starts.
Michael Hughes
