Kyle Heim didn't exactly have a good season pitching for Iowa in 2009. In fact, his ERA was an ugly 8.31 after allowing eight earned runs in just 8.2 innings pitched.
So, to say he didn't expect to be selected in 2009 MLB Draft is something of an understatement.
"It was definitely unexpected," Heim said. "I didn't have the greatest season in school this year, but I guess someone saw something they liked."
Heim was picked Thursday in the 44th round (1329th overall) by the St. Louis Cardinals on the third day of the draft.
One key to his selection may lie in his summer numbers. As a member of the Madison Mallards baseball club in 2008, Heim pitched 43.1 innings — more than his last two years combined at Iowa — while posting a 4.36 ERA.
The lefty tied fellow southpaw Matt Jansen — who was also drafted Thursday by the San Francisco Giants — for the team lead with 43 strikeouts last season, despite pitching 13 fewer innings.
Though Heim would like to continue his Mallards career this summer, he is expected to sign with the Cardinals and begin his journey through the professional ranks.
"As of now, they're saying they want me to fly out Tuesday down to Tennessee," Heim said. "So, I guess that's about it for me here in Madison."
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