Kirkwood’s Patrick Lala signs letter of intent for U of Iowa, gets draft nod from Phillies
For Kirkwood sophomore pitcher Patrick Lala, it has been a memorable spring.
Lala was selected Tuesday, June 8 in the 29th round of the Major League Baseball draft by the Philadelphia Phillies. The right-handed pitcher from Marion, Iowa was named an All Iowa Community College Conference performer this past year and has signed a letter of intent to play next year at the University of Iowa.
“Pat is one of the best athletes that we’ve had,” said Eagles Head Coach John Lewis. “His hard work on the field and in the class room have paid off. We know he has a great
future in baseball still ahead of him.”
Lala is having a busy summer, too, playing for the Madison Mallards of the Northwoods League, a college-focused set of teams made up of top college baseball players. Mallards Field Manager C.J. Thieleke says he expects Lala to see a lot of work this season as a situational right-hander after his “lights-out performance” for the club in 2009.
“There’s quite a bit of buzz surrounding Patrick this spring, and we’re excited to have him back considering how well he pitched for us last summer and the important role he’ll play as a late-innings reliever,” said Thieleke.