Pitt pitcher Derek West will join the Wareham Gateman of the Cape Cod League, becoming the third Pitt player to take part in the top-level collegiate wooden bat league this summer.
West, a rising redshirt junior right-handed pitcher, posted a 3.24 ERA with the Panthers in 2018, appearing in 50 innings, mostly as a mid-week starter and reliever. He was drafted in the 28th round of the 2018 MLB Draft by the Atlanta Braves, but decided to return to Pitt for his second season of competition after missing his first two years with injuries.
“It’s an honor to play in a summer league as high caliber as the Cape Cod League,” said West. “I’m extremely excited to be able to compete against the best hitters in the country and show everyone what I’m capable of. I would like to thank the Wareham Gatemen organization for seeing the potential in me to excel and develop in their organization. Only being here for a few days under Coach Lawler, I have already learned so much and I am seeing why this is the best summer league in the country. I look forward to being able to develop more as a pitcher this summer and carry the experience back to Pitt. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I’m glad I’ve been given the chance to represent the University of Pittsburgh.”
He joins fellow right-handed pitchers Dan Hammer, who is pitching with the Chatham Anglers, and R.J. Freure, who had been pitching for the Anglers before starting his pro career with the Houston Astros organization.
Pitt has at least 10 other players participating in summer leagues. Jack Hogan (Plymouth Pilgrims) and Nico Popa (Danbury Westerners) are playing in the New England Collegiate Baseball League. William Kirwan and Michael McManus are with the Baltimore Dodgers of the Cal Ripkin League. Cole MacLare (Okotoks Dawgs) and Bryce O’Farrell (Brooks Bombers) are playing in the Canadian Western Major Baseball League. Danny Alvarez is playing for Sag Harbor in the Hamptons League, Connor Perry is with the Bismarck Larks of the Northwoods League, Nico Samarkos is with the Palm Beach Snowbirds of the Collegiate League of Palm Beach and Ron Washington, Jr. is playing for the Florence Redwolves in the Coastal Plains League.
