Dodgers draft Mifflin grad
MOREHEAD, KY. » Morehead State junior outfielder Niko Hulsizer was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers’ organization in the 18th round of the 2018 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft.
Hulsizer was the 554th overall pick in the draft and the final one in the 18th round. He is the secondever Morehead State athlete drafted by the Dodgers’ organization, joining Daniel Smith (second round, 1985).
Muhlenberg infielder Sean Guilbe was also drafted, taken in the 12th round by the San Diego Padres. Guilbe (6-1, 190) hit .431 with six home runs, 14 RBI and 45 runs in 23 games for the Berks League champions. He also had 21 stolen bases.
Hulsizer is the seventh draft pick in Morehead State head coach Mike McGuire’s tenure, including four consecutive seasons now with at least one draft pick.
A Mohnton native, the junior outfielder/designated hitter finished his Morehead State career with 44 home runs in 140 games, tying for third in program history in career long balls with former Eagle and White Sox draft pick Drew Lee.
“I’m really happy for Niko. Three years ago he came to us as a raw kid with a lot of tools, and he has worked very hard to develop into a pro prospect,” said head coach Mike McGuire.
He also finished with a .337 career batting average, .684 slugging efficiency, 146 runs scored, 180 hits and 41 doubles. In three seasons, Hulsizer compiled 53 multihit games and 35 multi-RBI performances.
Despite missing 21 games this season, Hulsizer was still tabbed Second-Team All-OVC, clubbing 12 home runs and hitting 11 doubles and two triples while slugging .615.
His breakout campaign came in 2017 when he was voted OVC Player of the Year after setting conference records for home runs (27) and total bases (193) and being named to five All-American teams.
“He has some pro tools that you don’t get to coach very often at this level,” McGuire added.