June 13, 2007

ERIE, Pa. - GALLERY

Recent Major League Baseball draft picks David Lough and Brian Espersen, both of Mercyhurst College, signed their first professional contracts this week. Lough, an 11th round pick, signed with the Kansas City Royals organization, while Espersen heads to the Houston Astros organization after being selected in the 18th round.

Lough, a center fielder, was the highest Laker ever selected in the draft. Espersen's selection was the third earliest a Mercyhurst player was ever picked in the draft. The two were the only Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) players picked in the 2007 draft.

Espersen was the first to sign, joining the Houston organization on Monday evening. He was joined by his parents, Tom and Anita, Mercyhurst Head Coach Joe Spano and Houston Astros Head Regional Scout Mike Maggart.

Lough signed his contract on Wednesday afternoon at the Mercyhurst baseball office. Lough's parents, Denny and Denise, were on hand, as were Coach Spano and Kansas City Royals Scouting Supervisor Jason Bryans.

Lough was the 336th overall selection in the draft, followed by Espersen, who went 561st.

It was the second time Mercyhurst had a pair of players selected in the same year. In 1997, Pat Cutshall was picked in the 17th round and Bob Balazentis went in round 30.

Lough and Espersen bring the number players drafted by Major League organizations in program history to 10.

Lough is expected to join Burlington (N.C) of the Advanced Rookie Appalachian League. Espersen will begin his career with Tri-Cities (N.Y.) of the New York-Penn League, a Class A Short Season circuit. Both teams begin their seasons on June 19.