The 2009 MLB First-Year Player Draft proved to be one of the best in Eastern Illinois baseball history. Tyler Kehrer, Brett Nommensen and Jordan Kreke were each selected in the first 13 rounds, marking the first time since 1988 that three Panthers were picked in the same draft. Kehrer was selected 48th overall in Compensation Round A by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, EIU's highest draftee since Stan Royer was picked in the first round by the Oakland Athletics in 1988.
For the second time in the last three years, the first OVC player selected in the MLB Draft was a Panther. Additionally, Kehrer was the first collegiate player from an Illinois university selected in 2009. Three of the first five players picked from Illinois universities in 2009 were Panthers.
Kehrer, Nommensen and Kreke each signed with their respective organizations within a week and have been assigned to Rookie League affiliates, joining Kyle Haines and Erik Huber as former Panthers currently playing in the Minor Leagues.
June 10: Kehrer, Nommensen & Kreke selected in MLB Draft
June 17: Kehrer, Nommensen & Kreke sign with MLB organizations
Panthers in the Pros page (EIU draft history & Minor League team links)
