Benton native Tyler Leffler has joined the West Virginia Black Bears in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization.
Leffler was drafted by the Pirates in the 27th round of the amateur draft earlier this summer, according to milb.com.
Playing in the short-season Class A New York-Penn League, Leffler was batting .189 with .250 on-base percentage, five runs and two walks in 37 at-bats. He had one hit in each of his first four games.
Leffler joined the Black Bears after completing his career at Bradley University. According to BradleyBraves.com, he is ranked in the top 10 in school history in six categories, including second in hit by pitches (55), tied for second in sacrifice flies (15), and third in both at-bats (728) and doubles (55).
Awards he earned at Bradley included being named a Louisville Slugger Freshman All-American in 2013, an All-Missouri Valley Conference second-team selection in 2014, and an MVC All-Tournament pic in 2015. He also made ESPN SportsCenter's “Top Plays” on March 29, 2014.
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