Former Campbellsville University pitcher signs with Kansas City Royals

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SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Former Campbellsville University pitcher Brian Edelen inked a non-drafted free agent deal Wednesday with the Kansas City Royals at the franchise's Rookie League site in Arizona. He will begin his professional career as a member of the Arizona League (AZL) Royals, which open the 2011 season Monday, June 20 against the AZL Rangers.
Edelen,6-foot-1 right-handed pitcher from Fisherville, Ky., played his freshman and sophomore years at Campbellsville in 2007 and 2008 before transferring to Western Kentucky University. During his time with the Tigers, Edelen posted a 10-5 record over two seasons in 94 2/3 innings pitched. As a freshman in 2007, he appeared in 17 games and was 7-2 with eight starts. During his sophomore campaign in 2008, Edelen was 3-3 with a 4.17 ERA. He struck out 43 and walked nine in 41 innings pitched, while holding opponents to a .256 batting average.

During his two seasons at WKU, the former Male High School product made 20 starts and 23 relief appearances. He posted a career record of 11-4 for the Hilltoppers and had 91 strikeouts. He struck out a career-high 60 hitters as a redshirt senior in 2011. He started the first six Sunday conference games before moving to the Hilltoppers bullpen and won three straight games in early May (May 1 vs. Louisiana-Monroe, May 8 vs. Florida Atlantic and May 15 vs. South Alabama).

"Brian left us after two years due to his academic major. We had a great relationship and he was a contributor as a pitcher for two years through buying into the principles of our program. We always felt that he could develop into someone with a legit chance at the next level," CU head coach Beauford Sanders said. "He is a fine young person and comes from a great family. His mother (Jeanie) and father (Mike) are super nice. I am very pleased about this news and wish him every success."
Edelen becomes the third former Tiger, and first CU pitcher, to sign a non-drafted free agent deal with a Major League Baseball club in the past three seasons. CU third baseman Chris Curley, a former teammate of Edelen's, signed with the Atlanta Braves in 2009, while Tiger catcher Richie Rowland signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2010. Edelen, 23, will be the fourth overall Tiger to play for a MLB franchise, as first baseman Donnie Richardson is the Tigers' only MLB Draft pick, selected by the Chicago Cubs in 1983.